17th century

[SwordsMaster]

Byzantium was Orthodox, so why call me a heretic? The Byzantines allied with Muslims (Rum, anyone?), so why hold that against me?

OOC: Well, since you are not catholic, you are heretic, and since you allied to the sultan, you are twice heretic :yes:

The thing with the Ottoman Empire, is that an Empire-type structure was the most similar thing to the organisation of european empires, so they adopted the moniquet.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Official statement from the Papacy:

The Holy Father announces that part of the Papal Guard will take part in the battle of Vienna under the command of the Spanish commander Ambrogio Spinola. They are also joined by the Knights of St John. The Holy Father, the spiritual leader of the Holy League, encourages all true Catholics to accept the leadership of the Spanish king under the command of his appointed general Ambrogio Spinola. The Holy Father declares internal peace between Catholics until the end of the year, when the Heathen has been defeated. Attacks on territories belonging to the Holy League participants is strongly discouraged, and all who fight in defense of Vienna will be forgiven for their sins.

[Grand Lord of Poop~]

sorry, i am on the list, right??
just wanted to double-check...

[Rodion Romanovich]

yes

[Incongruous]

So whens the next chapter coming up.

[Rodion Romanovich]

some haven't posted decisions yet. I believe 3 or 4...

[Warluster]

Who are they?

[King Kurt]

One is me - My family, including me, decided to come down with the flu last week:embarassed: , so this is the first time on the boards for over a week.

I will be sorting out my options over the next couple of days and should post by Wednesday.

King James

[Incongruous]

So, next chapter soon?

[King Kurt]

I've sent legio my moves, so the Court of King James rests easy.

The court of King James also announces that he and his retinue are off for a short holiday and, as such, will be offline from tomorrow - Friday - until Monday week (19/2/07)

God save the King

[Rodion Romanovich]

Decisions left: NETHERLANDS, VENICE

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands have send their messengers with their orders.:bow:

[Incongruous]

Ggggggggggggggggggggggah!

[IrishArmenian]

Could the new Kaiser be mentally unstable?

[Marshal Murat]

I think secretly epileptic.

[IrishArmenian]

Ah yes. Well, we all have our ****, some more than others.

[Incongruous]

I was exlamating gah due to my need for a 17th century fix! GAH!

[IrishArmenian]

You'll get it soon, junky.
I can imagine a really skinny Emperor in tattered clothes waiting in front of a run down house. It may be fix house, but while everyone else is interested in the "meds" Bopa here just wants to use the computer.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Ok now I have all decisions (and a few unanswered PMs with questions). I'll take care of all this in the upcoming weekend. Next chapter will come on Friday or Saturday, if nothing unforeseen turns up.

[Kagemusha]

:2thumbsup:

[SwordsMaster]

Hey, Legio, seeing as there is over 1000 replies to the thread, I was thinking that maybe it is worth starting a new thread for this thing. It is getting increasingly difficult to find past chapters, proclamations, etc...

I was also thinking, maybe you could compile copies of all the chapters into your first post so we have them all together... I don't mean removing them from wherever they are posted, but just for keeping an overview of the general turn of events. You could just compile the actual chapters without the decisions at the end...

[Rodion Romanovich]

Hm, maybe... But I'd like to see what Kraxis and/or other mods thinks of that idea first. Maybe someone could make a list of links to the posts containing the chapters, and I could add those links to the first post of the thread.

[Warluster]

i reckon it is a good idea, as I was greatly confused other day about Chapters.


If you want Legio, I will make an list of links to all chapters?

[Warluster]

Okay legio, i have done the list!

Here is an list of all Chapters and whta posts its on.

Prolouge (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078)
Chapter 2 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=2)
Chapter 3 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=2)-You may have to go down the page to see it as its on the same page as Chapter 2
Chapters 4 and 5 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=3)-Please scroll down the page for Chapter 5
Chapter 6 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=5) Post #150
Chapter 7 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=8)- post #227
Chapter 8 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=11)post #301
Chapter 9 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=14) post #420
Chapter 10 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=18)- post #539
Chapter 11 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=22)-Post #632
Chapter 12 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=26) - Post #768
Chapter 13 (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=68078&page=31) Post #925

[Rodion Romanovich]

Thanks Warluster!

@all: the next chapter will come tonight I think. Sorry about the delay, but it's almost finished now.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Ignoramus, could you please empty your PM box? I need to send a response to your PM!

[Kagemusha]

Most Joyfull Birthday to King James of England,otherwise known as King Kurt!:bow: ~:cheers: :2thumbsup:

[Rodion Romanovich]

CHAPTER 14 - it is now: August 1st, 1615 AD
...the decisions made will affect the events from August 1st, 1615 AD to March 1st, 1616 AD

The siege of Vienna continues, with increasing bombardment from the Ottoman artillery. Stakes and trenches are set up to guard the rear of their camp, with light cavalry guarding the flanks of the most likely approach of the Holy League forces, and heavy cavalry guarding the center. The camp proves too well fortified to be easily penetrable by the Polish cavalry, and the difficult mountain section not far from the camp is difficult for their heavy cavalry to cross safety with the Ottoman light cavalry patrolling the area. The raiding forces instead concentrate on remote and isolated parts of the supply train. In the middle of the month, 500 Polish cavalrymen successfully disperse a large group of Ottoman troops transporting supplies and more artillery to Vienna. They manage to capture 10 guns and destroy the remainder. The Ottoman supply is increasingly hampered by the aggressive raids, and the Ottomans more frequently make sorties with their light cavalry from their fortified camp to meet up with the supply troops on their way to the camp. The husaria, being heavily outnumbered and in terrain more favorable to the Ottoman cavalry, are after less than two weeks forced to end their raids close to the Ottoman camp.

Meanwhile, the Holy League seem to be directing their greatest efforts against more peripheral regions. The Spanish operations on several fronts continue, and a small core of Polish troops lead a Cossack invasion of Bulgaria. A force of at least 20,000 raid the countryside and smaller cities along the Black sea coast, and put Varna under siege. The Ottoman garrisons here are thinned out a lot, but local militias assemble to resist the siege of the major cities and fortresses. Varna is also initially supplied by Ottoman ships.

In Cyprus, the Spanish troops with auxiliaries (including the Knights of St John) capture Famagusta and Nicosia, and receive increasing support from part of the Greek population. Only Kyrenia remains in Ottoman hands by April, and the Spanish supply situation on the island improves drastically as spring begins. A large militia force of around 4,000 men from the Greek population join the Spanish force.

In Egypt, 2 Spanish tercios land in early April to capture Alexandria and support the garrison in the Suez area in a risky surprise attack. They quickly run into supply problems and are also surprised by a sizeable Ottoman garrison in the city. Over the last month, the Ottomans have been assembling their forces for an attack on the Spanish troops in the Suez region. It hasn't left Alexandria when the Spanish troops arrive. Not far from the city, the 2 Spanish tercios with auxiliaries forming a total of less than 8,000 men are overwhelmed by over 20,000 Ottoman troops. Against the Ottoman light cavalry and light infantry force, the tercios are at their best. They repel several mamluk charges but are forced to withdraw as the Ottomans receive artillery reinforcements from the city. Around 1,500 Ottoman cavalrymen are lost, while the Spanish force lose almost 2,000 men including a difficult retreat with naval extraction to Cyprus. Not long afterwards, the Ottoman force from Alexandria moves up to Suez where it quickly defeats the Spanish fortified positions, capturing several Spanish auxiliary troops, along with a few merchants. The newly reinforced French garrison at Port Said is put under siege, while most other camps or fortifications of Christian merchants and soldiers in the region are dispersed. A small force of English troops from Aden lands on the southern side of the Suez. Meanwhile, the Spanish naval forces near Egypt have managed to establish complete superiority. They sink numerous Ottoman ships and raid the coastlines heavily, capturing supplies, taking slaves and pillaging, but the Ottoman local militias manage to prevent them from entering any of the major cities. With the arrival of the defeated land forces from Egypt, the force besieging Kyrenia is capable of capturing the city after a bloody assault in which almost 300 Spanish troops and 500 Greek militia are lost.

In Greece, the Spanish force captures Athens after a short bombardment. The support of the local population is hesitant but they aren't hostile. Virtually unopposed by land forces, the Spanish troops quickly improve their supply situation and advance far inland, while sending reconnaissance units and raiding parties to make contact with the Ottoman supply train to Vienna. When the scouts return to the Spanish camps in Athens in May, they report that the Ottoman supply train escorts to the north are small and could easily be damaged severely by a force of around 500 cavalrymen. Meanwhile, 2 more Spanish tercios are landed in the area. However not only the Ottoman supply in the region is threatened. The Spanish naval forces in the archipelagos outside Greece are at a disadvantage against the galley-based Ottoman fleet, which has decided to direct its full efforts against the isolated Spanish fleet here. In May, a major naval battle is fought not far off the coast from Athens. The Spanish force consists of 11 warships, several merchants, and around 50 galleys, while the Ottoman force consists of nearly 250 galleys, and 5 modern warships. The Ottoman force immediately strikes the outnumbered Spanish force of galleys, which tries to retreat from the Ottoman force while the Spanish warships wear them down with cannon fire, but many of them are captured in a small bay, with Ottomans and Spanish galleys mixing so closely that the major warships have difficulties targetting the Ottoman ships specifically. Meanwhile, the Ottoman modern warships are able to move in close to the Spanish galleys captured in the bay. In the ensuing mess, the most manouverable of the Spanish warships try to go around the force of galleys to quickly take out the Ottoman modern warships and quickly secure complete superiority in guns before the force of Spanish galleys is too heavily reduced, while 1 larger, less manouverable warship stays at the entrance of the bay. 1 of the Spanish warships runs aground in the difficult conditions, but the other 9 are soon forcing the Ottoman modern warships to an engagement, sinking 2 of them in less than half an hour and forcing the other 3 into retreat, heavily damaged. Closing up on the battle of the galleys, the Spanish warships begin to direct increasingly accurate cannon fire toward the Ottoman galleys. The Ottoman galleys, having disrupted most of the Spanish galley fleet, try to retreat through the bay. The isolated larger Spanish warship singlehandedly tries to oppose and cut off the Ottoman galleys as they try to escape the bay, inflicting heavy damage on them, but there are too few Spanish galleys left to be able to cut off or capture the Ottoman galleys as they escape through narrow straits to deny the Spanish warships the chance of pursuit. At the end of the battle, the Ottomans have lost 2 modern warships and 35 galleys, and around 30 galleys have been captured. The Spanish have lost 1 2nd rate warship, 5 merchants, and nearly 35 galleys, while 3 warships have taken light damage (but could be repaired not long after the battle).

Meanwhile, Spanish land troops secure Corinth, in what seems to be a campaign to relieve Greece from Ottoman control. Most of the local population is still hesitant. The Spanish forces besiege the cities that don't surrender, arising some impopularity, but support is simultaneously also increasing due to the lack of Ottoman interference, and a small regiment of around 500 men join the Spanish forces at the beginning of June. The Spanish logistical situation is however getting increasingly problematic. There is no shortage of supplies during the summer, but the threat of the Ottoman fleet raiding Spanish merchants, reports of Barbary Coast pirates striking Spanish merchant ships further west in the Mediterranean, and the Ottoman main fleet of galleys that threatens to strike again. In June, they indeed make another attempt, trying to take the Spanish fleet by surprise, entering the bay from two directions by night to block the exits for the Spanish warships. After about an hour of fighting, most of the Spanish warships are able to break out of the encirclement, while several Spanish merchants are sunk and boarded by Ottoman forces. Nearly 40 Ottoman galleys are sunk and at least 30 take damage, but the Spanish lost 3 lighter warships and nearly 12 merchants, some of which were simply abandoned in the harbor as the warships tried to break out of the bay. After the battle, the remaining 6 Spanish warships leave the seas outside Greece to gather reinforcements from the fleet at Cyprus, and to raid Ottoman transports in the more open seas outside Anatolia, where they are easy targets. At least 10 transports are sunk and 30 captured. By July, the Ottoman fleet leaves Greek waters.

Meanwhile at Vienna, the Ottoman forces in May gather for an assault on the city. With most of their army still intact, the assault is overwhelming in its strength. With their cavalry and fortifications covering their rear, the Ottomans send in militia and sappers to break through the city defenses. Compared to the Ottoman artillery, the sappers prove extremely effective against the defenses of the city. The first wave of Ottoman militia sent into the city is repelled by the garrison, who have managed to restore their formations and positioned their artillery both on the shattered defenses and in the streets. As the Ottoman second wave is to begin its assault, the Ottomans spot the arrival of the Holy League forces who have begun crossing the mountains to hit the assaulting Ottoman forces in the rear. After some hesitation, the Ottoman second wave is sent in. The Jannissaries manage to break through the weakest points of the line of defenders, but the 10,000 man large dug in garrison troops still manage to hold their own against the waves of attackers. Meanwhile, the 48,000 men large Holy League army are coming down from the mountains. The Ottoman commander orders the light cavalry to strike them while they are on difficult ground. The reaction however comes too late, with the Holy League force already having finished crossing the mountains by the time the cavalry arrives. Despire this, the Ottoman light cavalry performs well when met by a much smaller force of Holy League cavalry, but the Holy League core of nearly 35,000 professional infantry and plenty of artillery support the League cavalry. The 2,000 husaria, supported by small forces of Spanish, Imperial and Catholic League cavalry take extreme casualties when overwhelmed by the 35,000 Ottoman cavalrymen, but the tercios and artillery fire salvoes into the heaps of unsupported Ottoman cavalry, which are eventually forced back with around 3,000 casualties after less than 30 minutes, however after successfully killing and injuring most of the Holy League cavalry and killing some of the League's levy infantry. The Holy League force, severely hampered by this loss, still continues their march towards the Ottoman camp, where their high quality infantry will be at their best. Upon seeing their light cavalry pushed back, the Ottoman commander again has to make a difficult choice on whether to reinforce the assault, or direct the major firepower towards the approaching field battle. About half of the Jannissaries are inside the city. He chooses to put the levies to defend the perimeter of the fortified camp, while rotating the artillery from the city defenses, where it has been inefficient, towards the approaching League forces. Half of the remaining Jannissaries charge inside the city to support the assault, which is now gaining ground rapidly. The right flank of the Holy League force retreats behind a small hill to avoid the worst Ottoman artillery barrage as more and more of their cannons redirect their fire towards them, while the left flank fires heavy salvoes against the Ottoman militia until they can receive better artillery support. The remaining 8,000 Jannissaries form up at the perimeter of the camp, while the Ottoman cavalry moves around the flank of the Holy League force, covering their most likely path of retreat and awaiting them to move out of their defensive position. Recognizing the danger, Spinola orders the Holy League artillery to concentrate their fire on the Ottoman cavalry, to clear their back to allow a safe assault against the rear of the Ottoman fortified camp before the assault of Vienna can be completed, and the bulk of the Jannissaries sent to reinforce the forces guarding their rear. As the Ottoman cavalry retreats out of range of the artillery, Spinola is forced to begin the assault despite not having his back clear. Initially around half of the infantry is sent in on the left flank, where the Ottomans are weaker, breaking through the lines of sharpened stakes, trenches, ditches and gunwaggons. They take heavy casualties but manage to open a breach in the line of the levies. Meanwhile, the Ottoman light cavalry strikes the remaining half of the infantry outside the breaches, raiding the Holy League artillery but are eventually forced into retreat after again suffering numerous casualties to the tercios. After several hours, the Holy League has broken through the outer defenses and have nearly routed the around 40,000 levy infantry, 8,000 Jannissaries and 32,000 cavalry guarding the Ottoman rear, but at the same time the forces inside the city have been forced to surrender, and Spinola, in the face of the threat of the 22,000 Jannissaries from the city assault joining the force guarding the Ottoman rear, orders a retreat through the mountains, where the reduced force is harassed by the surviving Ottoman cavalry. By the end of the day, the Holy League has lost most of its cavalry, most of its artillery, around 3,000 infantry, and the entire city garrison consisting of 8,500 men, of which at least 900 were killed. The Ottomans have lost around 6,000 cavalry and 6,000 infantry but have successfully captured the city and are still too strong for the Holy League force to defeat in its entirety in a field battle. The Ottomans garrison the city with around 17,000 men, while preparing the remainder for a field battle and to secure the supply, which could soon be heavily threatened by the Spanish and Polish diversionary operations. By July, the Ottoman forces have lost around 8,000 troops in total to supply problems, but Ottoman light cavalry has also located the Holy League camp to the northwest. The Ottoman force now consists of 130,000 men: 8,000 Transylvanian troops, among which 3,000 are Hungarian hussars, 27,000 Jannissaries, 25,000 light cavalry, 3,200 heavy cavalry, 44,000 levy infantry, 42,700 support troops of various kinds, 7 war elephants and still a huge amount of artillery pieces, including captured Holy League artillery. They also hold around 5,000 Holy League troops prisoner. The Holy League force now consists of 9,000 Imperial, 4,500 Catholic League, 29,000 Spanish, 9,000 Austrian and Hungarian, 1,000 Polish levies, 1,000 Polish husaria, for a total of 53,500 men.

Previously to these events, in France, the revolt has grown large. The French garrison in Marseille revolts in February, there are riots in Paris - which the Guard de Gascoigne manage to hold back from the King's palace, and there are also reports of unrest in the area around Orléans. The newly formed King's Ebony Guard regiment, upon landing in Marseille, doesn't know whether to fight the numerally superior garrison there or join it, and are soon scattered. The King assembles the nobles in Paris to delay the revolt, find out more about its causes, and if possible indulge them. He forces the nobles to swear a personal oath to the king in return for promises of acquiring a share of the tribute from the war, and 75% of the nobles accept the offer, the others leaving the meeting in refusal. Shortly afterwards, in April, Duc de Rohan arrives in Paris, and his 15,000 men prevent the riots from being renewed. 800 men from the Ebony Guard regiment arrives shortly afterwards. Meanwhile, the French southern army has set up camp in Lyon, awaiting orders regarding the rebel garrison in Marseille, joined by mercenaries and levies. In May, they receive orders to put down the revolt, and march south to defeat the garrison and capture the general commanding it. Considering the stability satisfactory, the French king also orders duc de Rohan to lead an expedition to reinforce the French fortified trading position in Port Said, to secure it against possible Ottoman attack. The King's Black Regiment is also sent from South Africa to support the garrison at Suez. By June, Richelieu, who is in command of the forces at Marseille, has put under siege the revolting garrison. The garrison at Paris prepares a force of 8,000 men to defeat the unrest in the area around Orléans.

In the Holy Roman Empire, the Catholic League quickly responds to the revolt of the Northern Protestant kurfürsts from the Protestant Union by sending 7,000 men, so far unclear whether for the purpose of taking them under the Empire's control (as previously with Donauwörth), or dividing the land between the Catholic kurfürsts that are part of the League. The Catholic League force led by Tilly quickly defeats a 6,000 man large Protestant Union force in a battle near Bayreuth, capture the city, and proceed to Anhalt, which they put under siege after failing to capture it by assault. The revolt is led by Anhalt, Bayreuth, Baden, Hesse-Kassel and Württemberg, who are unable to send any support to Anhalt until in July. Meanwhile, Brandenburg continues paying the tribute for the war, and the Emperor continues paying the tribute to France. The French troops prepare for withdraw from the last garrisoned cities in the western parts of the Empire once the last payment has been received.

Meanwhile at Riga, the Swedish reduce the garrison while navally supplying the remaining troops. The remaining garrison is large enough to hold back Polish assaults and is supplied by sea, but in return, the Polish receive more artillery by the end of June. In May, the withdrawn Swedish troops land in the vicinity of Danzig with a force of 7,000 mercenaries and 13,500 regulars for a total of 21,500 troops. The force divides in two groups with one moving for Elblag and the other for Danzig. They attempt assaults on both cities after a short bombardment for only 10 days. The Polish have no regular troops in the area, but the militias have been levied to reinforce the coastal cities. Elblag is captured after the militia there is defeated rather easily, but the militia in Danzig manages to hold back the assault. After the failed assault, Elblag is held with a small garrison while the two armies meet up at Danzig, reinforcing the bombardment there. Despite the garrison being heavily outnumbered, they manage to resist for several months. The city is well fortified, but there is no Polish relief force or fleet threatening the Swedish rear, allowing them to attempt two more assaults with their back free. In July, the city falls after a third assault. In the process, the total Swedish casualties have mounted to nearly 1,500 in total, due to fierce resistance from the levies and various merchants in the city. The Swedish troops follow up the success with an advance south along the Vistula towards Bydgoszcz and Torun, the first of which is put under siege and at the beginning of August is already threatened by the effective Swedish artillery. At Riga, the Polish increasing artillery bombardment shatters the Swedish defenses, but the Swedish naval supply remains a problem, making the siege ineffective. Swedish attempts to conduct raids from the city towards Polish isolated units are ineffective, and retreat to the defenses before being defeated. At the end of the summer, the Polish prepare for an assault against the 5,000 man large Swedish garrison with the newly arrived artillery. The current Polish artillery is much stronger than the Swedish artillery, but slower and heavier.

In Northern Italy, Venice in July takes advantage of the Spanish being stretched thin by the actions against the Ottomans, and strike the Spanish held Florence with 9,000 men and 20 guns. The Spanish force in Florence, consisting of 2,000 men, is taken by surprise by the attack without prior declaration of war, and lose control over the city, losing 200 killed and 500 captured. The Spanish repond by assembling their forces in Northern Italy near Parma, preparing to either move south to reinforce the garrison at Livorno, or east to try and cut off the Venetian retreat.

In Savoy, the situation seems to have calmed down. The Spanish accept the escape of the Medicis to France, and the countries reestablish good relations. The royal marriage between Savoy and Spain is completed. France sells off remaining French grain stockpiles to southern Germany. No more loans are granted for Wladyslaw.

In Russia, the war between Vassili and Wladyslaw continues. Vassili and Wladyslaw both end up directing their main efforts in the peripheral regions northwest of Moscow and Nizny Novograd. Vassili sends around 16,000 more men to the region to have 18,000 to meet Wladyslaw's force, which has now increased to 10,000 men due to the French loan and increased Polish assistance. Wladyslaw continues his campaign by attempting an assault on Pskov in May, but the assault is repelled. In June, fearing that Vassili's forces are threatening Tver and the supply, he lifts the siege and marches east, where he meets Vassili's forces in battle somewhere between Pskov and Novgorod. Despite being outnumbered, Wladyslaw's force manages to defeat the Russian militia with the help of his core of 5,000 skilled cavalrymen. Around 900 of Vassili's forces are killed and 300 captured, Wladyslaw losing only 150 men. However fearing that Vassili's forces will be able to recover from the defeat quickly, Wladyslaw renews the siege of Pskov hoping to capture it before retreating to Moscow to reinforce and rest the army over the winter. Pskov falls in July after a third assault, but hampered by the casualties and threat of Vassili's forces possibly being stronger than previously, in August he retreats to the 3,000 man large garrison in Moscow with his 8,800 men from the campaign.

Denmark lands a small force to build a colony on Greenland, and send a small expedition to establish another trade post in India. A Dutch base has been established at the southern tip of South America. A Dutch base has been established on Madagascar. Dutch expeditions in the East Indies discover a large island they name New Holland. They draw maps of the western coast of it, and go ashore in a few places, but establish no colony. The East India company expands its trading posts in the East Indies, especially in the Phillippines, however without touching Spanish settlements there. The tensions between the Spanish and Dutch East India Companies increases due to these actions, and the fact that the Spanish East India company has assembled nearly as many ships as the Dutch - 25 compared to 32. The French continue paying the St Peter's Basilica tax to the Pope

The Emperor Ferdinand announces a new constitution: "The New German Riechstag. It shall be made up of reperesentatives from each state and free city. Each electomust choose ten representatives, five lay and five ecclesiastical from their estates, each city may have five, including the mayor. The varius kings, pinces and Dukes of the Imperial family shall be present and from their own group of fifteen represenatives. The Emperor shall sit as head of this Upper house, this house shall vote on issues either brought up by the Emperor (obviously of interest to the Electors) or by the Lower house. The Lower House shall be made up of the foremost members of each County, Part, Electorate state, or Kingdom, of or under the title or sire/knight/ or castellan. They shall vote for a High Minister, whom shall reside for five years over the house, moderate, veto and represent the Lower house (represent it in the Upper House)."

A large amount of Catholic refugees settle in Poland.

Trade summary: most trade in the Mediterranean has suffered from the war. Trade in the East Indies is dominated by the Dutch East India Company, with Spain coming second, England and France sharing the third place. Spain and France dominate the slave trade. France dominates trade from African colonies, followed by Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark. Indian trade is almost equally shared between Spain, England and France, with the Netherlands and Denmark coming second. North American trade is dominated by France almost without competition. South American trade is dominated almost without competition by Spain. Grain trade is dominated by Poland and Denmark, with France coming second but increasing rapidly.



BRANDENBURG

1. the revolts
a. support them with mercenaries, trying to keep it secret (but it's possible it will leak out eventually) from the Emperor
b. don't support them, it would be treachery towards the Emperor, and an unprovoked declaration of war. Denmark could possibly come to the Emperor's support
c. send your own army to defeat the Catholic League at Anhalt. Your own 7,000 men along with mercenaries and men from Baden, Hesse-Kassel and Württemberg could defeat the 7,000 men. That would weaken the Catholic League. Assisting these kurfürsts in gaining independence would, if successful, create a useful buffer zone for you, as well as weakening the Catholic League, strengthening your independence, and make you regain your lost popularity within the Protestant Union

2. reforming your army
a. keep it as it is, with 7,000 homegrown forces (of which most are infantry) and filling up with mercenaries when going to war
b. form an army of 7,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry and 500 elite cavalry. This would be bearable for your economy
c. as b, but also acquire modern light artillery from Sweden, cavalry mercenaries from Hungaria, Poland or Finland, and flintlock muskets from France, Spain and/or others who are capable of producing them
d. any of the above, specify which, but let the reform wait until in 3-5 years, when the economy has better recovered from the previous war
e. any of the above, specify which, but raise taxes temporarily to recover economically from the war in the coming 2-5 years, despite carrying out the reforms
d. something else, specify

3. Vassal duty towards the Polish king. The Polish king might demand you to send 2,000 troops to assist him against the Swedish at Elblag and Danzig
a. send them if asked for
b. send them in any case
c. don't send them
d. actively support the Swedish. Send 5,000 of your troops to help their campaign at the Vistula, and use your fleet to supply them


ENGLAND

1. the situation at the Suez. What should your 3,000 troops on the southern side of Suez do? What should your warships in the area do?
a. pull back, to avoid ending up at war with the Ottomans despite the political consequences it could have
b. try to get the troops to harass Ottoman supply between Alexandria and Port Said
c. navally extract them, since they can't hope to achieve much in breaking through the Ottoman siege of Port Said
d. launch a campaign of naval raids in Egypt and the Arabian peninsula, and/or attempt to increase your influence in the vicinity of Aden

2. the trade and colonies
a. try to expand the colonies and strenghten the economy further while possible enemies of England are tied down in fighting the Ottomans
b. establish English bases in Africa now that Spain and France probably haven't got resources to stop you, to weaken the Papal bull. Having bases in Africa will probably make resupply, transportation and trade between European ports and India and the East Indies easier. This could be an excellent chance to invalidate that bull, especially if also the Netherlands and Denmark would be convinced to establish colonies in these areas now
c. temporarily withdraw assistance in pirate hunting from exposed Spanish and French positions. This could make the Spanish and French trade fleets suffer, without being a casus belli for either of them
d. you recently found out about previous meetings between the Netherlands, France and Spain to divide the claims for colonies in India between Spain, France and the Netherlands. The French part (east) was given up to Denmark in a recent peace treaty. The Spanish part is the western part, the Dutch are to colonize the southern tip and Ceylon. Against this, England may need to, by negotiations with some or all of these 3 countries, try to secure her claims in India and make the English colonization in India acceptable to the others.


FRANCE

1. Port Said under siege
a. carry out a naval extraction. Later during the winter the retreat will be more difficult
b. reinforce the position
c. at least move out Duc de Rohan, to avoid risking to lose one of your most loyal and skilled generals

2. the revolt
a. assault Marseille as soon as possible, even if the casualties will be high. It will probably end the core of the revolt before more will join it
b. don't assault Marseille now - high casualties for beating a revolt could increase unhappiness
c. decrease the land force strength of the siege of Marseille to the minimum for continuing the siege, use the fleet to blockade the city, and move the remainder to join an expedition towards the Orléans area together with 8,000 men from the Paris garrison.
d. decrease the land force strength of the siege of Marseille to the minimum for continuing the siege, use the fleet to blockade the city, and move the remainder to join an expedition towards the Orléans area together with 8,000 men from the Paris garrison and 5,000 from La Rochelle.

3. reactions to the Venetian attack on Spanish-held positions?

4. reactions to the successful Ottoman assault on Vienna?


HRE and AUSTRIA

1. the last of four major payments of the tribute to France is just about to be paid
a. pay it
b. refuse to pay it

2. Vienna
a. let Spinola decide how to continue
b. stay out of battle for the winter, and attack in the spring. Most likely, the Ottomans will be weakened by then, and they can both suffer huge casualties and will lose Vienna again
c. if the Ottomans retreat, put Vienna under siege to retake it, but otherwise do as in b
d. gain some more cavalry and send artillery from your garrisons, then go to battle again. Hire mercenaries too. This means fighting the Ottomans in about 2 months from now, when attrition will hopefully also have worn them down

3. the revolts. Beware that Spain may consider sending troops from the front towards Venice. If they do, you will not be able to pull back that many more of your troops from Vienna, if you are to be able to prevent the Ottomans from advancing further west. On the other hand, if they consider their rear threatened enough to withdraw, you don't need a single soldier northwest of Vienna to defend the remaining lands from them (but you will need a few to keep up normal order). However if the Ottomans withdraw, your best chance of retaking Vienna is if it is besieged and attacked pretty soon, before the defenses have been repaired and the Ottomans have reestablished and again secured their supply lines from the operations in Bulgaria and Greece
a. if choosing a defensive strategy at Vienna, you could perhaps send some more troops to temporarily assist the Catholic League in beating the revolts. 10,000 more men to Anhalt during the winter would probably be enough to capture the city and hold back assistance sent from the other kurfürsts.
b. as a, but try to convince the Catholic League to provide these 10,000 men. After all, they should have a reserve at home in Bavaria and their other territories. Don't send any own troops
c. as a and b combined, to get up to 20,000 troops if possible
d. try to choose an offensive strategy at Vienna. If victorious, you could quickly free up more troops for dealing with the revolt. A second army could attack the western flank of the rebels at the same time you deal with Anhalt. That would put a quick end to the revolt

4. the land captured from the rebels. What should be done with it? It could be given to the kurfürsts of the Catholic League, to Tilly, to the Habsburgs and/or to be taken under the Emperor's direct control (as with Donauwörth), the latter preferably with guarantees of handing it over to a new leader after some specified time. Decide what to do about the land. So far, no rebel kurfürst has been captured, most of them have escaped.

5. the situation in France, with Catholic revolts
a. don't do anything now except statements. After defeating the rebels at home, possibly prepare a military operation
b. plan an attack the French 15,000 soldiers in the western parts of the Empire, before the last parts of the tribute can be payed. Deliberately try to delay the payment of the tribute (delayed tribute payment isn't odd, and could very well happen from natural causes), as a bait to keep them in the land, separated from the French main army, while you beat the revolt and the Ottomans at Vienna. Then you can attack the isolated 15,000 men and be able to attack a weakened France
c. offer French Catholic refugees to come to the Empire to avoid the French oppression
d. don't do anything

6. an Imperial Army. You had Wallenstein begin the formation of an Imperial army during the previous war, but the effort was hampered as he was constantly kept away from the project. Only some 12,000 men were ever assembled (of which 10,000 are now at Vienna), and sent in in small portions at the time. You could try to form a new Imperial army now that there is peace. Spinola can handle the situation at Vienna. With an Imperial army, the revolts would be easier to beat, and the segregated Empire could better defend itself against outer threats. Right now, it seems a 25,000 man large Imperial army wouldn't be impossible. Up to 50,000 men could be possible in a few years.
a. order Wallenstein to launch the project again. Make him form a 20,000 man large army. In the meantime, have the armies in Austria, Hungary and Bohemia restored to their previous quality before the war, to be able to look to their defenses and keep unrest under control
b. restore the armies in Austria, Hungary and Bohemia to begin with, and improve fortifications and defenses there

7. Venice
a. condemn the actions of Venice
b. as a, but also assist the Spanish. In return, the Habsburgs could gain a piece of land in the Adriatic Sea, which could be very useful for securing greater trade income in the future
c. do nothing

8. any options you'd like to change regarding Catholic stance from previous chapter (such as coronation in Rome, and what the new constitution will be). Also, you can contact the Catholic League by PM (me) to negotiate with them. You probably need their support to remain in power, as their military power is superior to the military power of all others within the Empire. Tilly is controlled by the Catholic League, Wallenstein is under your command personally


NETHERLANDS

1. reactions to the current situation in the HRE
a. assist the rebels with money, to make sure the Catholic League is tied down and kept busy, to limit the strength of the Emperor, otherwise he will perhaps use his strength to attack the Netherlands soon in the future
b. don't assist the rebels, and use the time to build up your economy, maintain internal stability, and continue with colonization. A strengthened Emperor perhaps isn't likely to attack the Netherlands as his primary target, but rather the Protestant North and/or France
c. assist the Emperor, in return for being promised full control over Cologne. You could attack the western flank of the rebellion in their rear, and cause severe damage to them

2. reactions to the situation in France
a. offer support to the rebels, to weaken France, to prevent them from threatening Southern Netherlands, to which they made claims earlier
b. offer support to the French King to enable him to secure the position of the Huguenots compared to the Catholics. With outside support from Protestants, he will be able to prevent being forced to become a puppet of the Catholic nobles to appease them
c. take advantage of the situation to destroy the French provoking forts in South Africa. The French Black regiment has been withdrawn from the region, so they should be easy to capture

3. suggestions to the East India Company
a. try to establish contact with Japan and/or China
b. try to colonize parts of New Holland (Australia), or explore the island further
c. order them to expand more aggressively to secure their positions compared to the increasingly strong Spanish East India Company


OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. Vienna
a. march to the Holy League camp and force them into a field battle. Another victory, and Vienna will be completely secured in Ottoman hands for a long time. If the Holy League retreats, pursue them for a while
b. use the troops to garrison Vienna, secure the supply, and attack the Holy League forces if they besiege the Vienna garrison
c. leave a garrison in Vienna, and retreat to the possibly cut off Spanish forces in Greece and the Polish forces in Bulgaria. Acting quickly in these areas is necessary to prevent the Greek population from taking up arms alongside the Spanish, and prevent the Greek troops from deserting the Vienna army
d. move/deport previously captured rebels and/or criminals to Vienna, to quickly get a sizeable Ottoman population and garrison without trying up more than perhaps 5,000 Ottoman regular troops.
e. burn Vienna to the ground, and retreat, to concentrate on defensive operations

2. Varna
a. send the 10,000 men from the Crimea to support the city. Use the ships you still have in the Black Sea to support the operation. Then the city will be secured from siege for at least the winter
b. send forces from the Vienna army to Varna, specify how many and which troop types
c. send the forces in both a and b
d. don't bother about Bulgaria for the time being

3. Greece
a. send 60,000 men to be absolutely sure of victory against the 5 Spanish tercios and possible Greek reinforcements
b. send 40,000 men. If there isn't massive Greek support, these should be able to defeat the Spanish forces rather easily
c. send 30,000 men. If there isn't massive Greek support, these should be able to defeat the Spanish forces, perhaps with some difficulty
d. don't send any troops

4. French Port Said under siege (around 5,000 mercenaries along with the newly arrived assistance led by Duc de Rohan)
a. assault quickly, to secure the position in Egypt and Suez, before the Spanish decide to support the French here, or the French receive further reinforcements. The Christian factions control the seas here, so it's difficult to predict what could be sent in and when
b. wear them out, thus minimizing Ottoman casualties in the operation
c. abandon the siege and use the force to defend Alexandria, in case the Spanish try to attack there again

5. Alexandria and other North African garrisons
a. use 5,000 militia as garrison (as now). This will allow the force at Port Said (slightly over 20,000) to come to the relief of the city in case it is besieged
b. increase the garrison to 10,000 men by moving troops from smaller cities, and calling in even more reserves
c. decrease the garrison to 1,500 to be able to send 4,500 more to Port Said


POLAND

1. Polish-Swedish war
a. abandon Riga after another assault attempt, then try to as quickly as possible respond to the Swedish attack before it damages more important cities
b. wait a few months then abandon Riga, after another assault attempt, and seek to engage them in a field battle south of Danzig
c. continue besieging Riga, while sending a small force formed by withdrawing some support from Wladyslaw and Vienna, to contain the Swedish force. Some 10,000 men should be able to, by manouver warfare, limit the possibilities of movement for the Swedish forces, preventing them from capturing any more cities. When Riga has been taken, send reinforcements to defeat the Swedish force in battle
d. rally more levies and hire more mercenaries, and do one of the above. Specify which.

2. Bulgaria
a. try to take Varna as soon as possible, and settle with that as main goal of the campaign
b. concentrate on sending the troops further south, where they can actually interfere more with the Ottoman supply
c. redirect the strike into Transylvania, to threaten Bethlen, who has sent assistance to the Ottomans at Vienna, and force him to withdraw from there to defend his homelands
d. withdraw the Polish husaria to move them to Danzig and/or Riga

3. Vienna
a. suggest a new battle against the Ottomans very soon
b. suggest a defensive strategy, attacking the Ottomans again after attrition has worn them down after several months of winter
c. send more Polish levies and/or husaria and/or mercenaries to assist in the campaign
d. withdraw Polish support from Vienna, to move them elsewhere, specify where

4. what should Wladyslaw do next?
a. defend Moscow and the captured cities at all costs, staying on the defensive until more Polish support can be sent after defeating the Swedish and the Ottomans
b. at all costs try to capture Novgorod, then withdraw to Moscow for the rest of the winter. At the same time begin the recruitment of some 5,000-7,000 Russians to begin forming of a Russian army core. The withdrawn French support could make the economical situation for Wladyslaw difficult, though
c. move to Yaroslavl, to try and cut off the supply of Vassili's army in the Novgorod area. From Yaroslavl, recon Nizny Novograd and prepare to threaten the city. Try to intercept Vassili's Novgorod force if it retreats towards Nizny Novograd
d. renew raids east of Moscow, this time taking care not to damage ground belonging to the loyal boyars. This would probably secure Moscow over the coming winter
e. do both c and d, to secure Moscow even better

5. Prussia
a. demand your vassal to send support, by using his fleet to attack the Swedish rear at Elblag and Danzig, and also send 2,000 troops to join a Polish army heading for Elblag and Danzig.
b. don't bother


RUSSIA

1. what to do next?
a. defend Novgorod with a garrison of 2,000 men, then move the remainder to threaten Pskov, trying to tie down Wladyslaw's troops and prevent them from moving to Moscow. In the meantime launch a large-scale operation towards Moscow with 15,000 men from Nizny Novograd (leaving around 4,000 to defend the city). In the Moscow operation, first capture Yaroslavl as a supply base, then move on to Moscow
b. send 5,000 more men to Novgorod, to strengthen the force outside the city so it can relieve the besieged garrison and hopefully inflict defeat on Wladyslaw's field army
c. send 15,000 men from Nizny Novograd (leaving only some 4,000 defending the city) to secure Yaroslavl and your supply to the west, then move on to Tver, to threaten to cut off Wladyslaw's field army at Novgorod and Pskov. If Wladyslaw retreats towards Tver, try to have your two armies converge on him, and meet him in a field battle with around 30,000 of your forces vs his around 10,000
d. send 5,000 men from Nizny Novograd to secure Yaroslavl, then let 3,000 of them move on towards Novgorod. To the west, hold Novgorod with a garrison of 4,000 men while your remaining forces in that area stay out of battle until reinforced. If Wladyslaw seems demoralized and/or weakened, attack him, otherwise - if he withdraws out of reach - threaten Pskov. If Pskov is taken, move on to Tver
e. raid Wladyslaw's supply the best you can, while avoiding field battle. Keep 4,000 men as garrison in Novgorod to prevent Wladyslaw from capturing the city this winter, while letting your remaining forces near Novgorod move towards Tver, possibly with support from Nizny Novograd (if so, specify how many to send).
f. march towards Moscow with almost everything you have got. This means nearly 30,000 troops, leaving around 4,000 in Nizny Novgorod and 2,000 in Novgorod. Establish a supply base in Yaroslavl to support the operation. Casualties due to the schorched earth are expected to be up to 2,000 during the winter.
g. something else, specify what

2. mercenaries. You are running out of money, but could hire some 3,000 more mercenaries now. 1,000 Swedish mercenaries are also payed for. Due to your lack of income this is possibly the last chance you have of reinforcing your army with mercenaries
a. hire cavalry, to secure supply and improve raiding
b. hire infantry, to strengthen your firepower and ability to assault Moscow


SPAIN

1. fleet movements and targets - this is quite complicated, with so many combinations, that I won't give options, but instead some info.
i. if you retreat the land forces from Greece, you won't need any naval forces there, allowing you to free up naval forces from there to use elsewhere
ii. the Ottoman naval forces can be defeated at Greece by around 20 modern warships, but it could take a long time to defeat them, if they keep retreating and attacking over and over again. It will take some time to be able to secure a safe naval extraction of the land troops from Greece to Cyprus or Southern Italy.
iii. the Venetian fleet has at least 20 warships of high quality. These ships can be expected to be in various ports in the territories they control, with the bulk being in the Adriatic Sea. They could interfere with a Spanish naval extraction of the land forces in Greece
iv. the Barbary Coast pirates have only sunk merchants. With some 5 or more warships for escorting all merchant ship movements, it shouldn't be too difficult to secure your position at the Italian peninsula against them
v. Spanish and French ships control the more open seas in the Eastern Mediterranean at this time. There, the warships are often faster than the galleys and above all aren't restricted by lack of manouverability as in the archipelagos and straits in the Aegean Sea
vi. there should still be plenty of Ottoman transports from Anatolia to the Balkans, for supplying the Ottoman Vienna force
vii. most of the coastlines would be vulnerable to an attack from a force of around 15,000-20,000 troops, but smaller forces will be in trouble, judging from the events at Alexandria
viii. more ships could be brought in from the colonies. Around 25 very good warships would be needed to defeat Venice, and around 20 warships would defeat the Ottomans at Greece. Around 5-10 warships would be enough to secure the position against the Ottomans on the more open seas, but these 5-10 warships could have difficulties covering naval landings and extractions, but be effective at destroying Ottoman ships.
ix. if you try to besiege Venice, you could try to move up ships through the Adriatic Sea and threaten their naval supply of the city. However, since the Venetian fleet has at least 20 warships and most of them are currently in this area, it could be risky unless the Spanish force sent here is larger than 20 warships
x. your current fleet operations are:
- pretty much the entire anti-Ottoman force in the Mediterranean is now near Cyprus, carrying out raids on transports from Anatolia, and awaiting further orders. To secure the force in Greece, they need to be able to control the Aegean sea and be able to extract the land troops if necessary.
- small forces of merchants handling supply, reinforcements and/or ammunition etc. to Northern Italy
- small forces of merchants handling transports to and from the eastern Mediterranean

2. Vienna
a. try to acquire more troops, especially cavalry mercenaries from Hungaria as well as Polish husaria, and possibly also infantry reinforcements from the Catholic League. Also request more artillery from the Kaiser's various city garrisons. As soon as you have 50,000 troops, march to Vienna to first fight the Ottomans in a field battle, then besiege the city and retake it
b. try to stay out of battle at all costs while acquiring new artillery. Wait for at least 3 more months, until winter takes its toll on the Ottoman forces, which will hopefully get into problems with the supply
c. withdraw the Spanish troops from Vienna, and move them through the Kaiser's lands to attack Venice in the rear and support the Spanish troops in Northern Italy.
d. as c, but also pull back most of your forces in Greece to Southern Italy, and move them north to also assist the operation. Assemble your anti-Ottoman warfleet at Cyprus into a single force, and attack Venetian islands in the Mediterranean. Move the Northern Italy naval forces to the Iberian peninsula until a larger fleet can be assembled to hold back the Venetian fleet

3. Greece. What to do next?
a. navally extract the Spanish land forces before Venice and the Ottomans cut them off
b. conduct raids on the Ottoman supply with Spanish cavalry. Try to train a Greek army, and prepare the Spanish troops for being cut off and having to fight a difficult defensive campaign in Greece for a few years until reinforced or extracted
c. make sure the naval plans (see other options) keep the extraction path open if needed. Have the troops make as much damage as possible to Ottoman supply for as long as they can while liberating Greek cities. Only if overwhelmed will they be extracted.

4. Venice. Try to make piece on their conditions, or try to move more troops to defeat them? What will the troops currently in Northern Italy do before they are reinforced, if they are reinforced? What will they do after reinforced, if reinforced?

5. the Dutch East India Company
a. order the Spanish EIC to negotiate with the Dutch EIC, to avoid a conflict
b. reinforce the Spanish EIC so it can fight the Dutch EIC
c. do nothing at the moment, it might very well be that there won't be any conflict


SWEDEN

1. Vistula campaign. What will you do next?
a. capture the two next target cities quickly, and prepare to meet the Polish army in field battle. If it doesn't arrive before three months have passed, continue further south and threaten the Polish heartlands
b. retreat to Danzig, where the Polish can't cut you off or forcing you to battle
c. reinforce with a few extra mercenaries, if you have any
d. withdraw everything except a small garrison for holding Danzig, then prepare to move the other forces to Riga. Hopefully it will have held the Polish assaults and the Polish will have been drawn away towards Danzig
e. burn and pillage heavily to damage the Polish

2. Riga campaign. What will you do next?
a. hold the city at all costs
b. reinforce it
c. withdraw and give up the campaign

3. relations with Poland
a. make peace, giving up Danzig and Elblag, but keeping Riga
b. make peace, holding Danzig and Elblag, but handing back Riga
c. peace in some other way, specify
d. don't make peace

4. Danish representatives have complained about your capture of Danzig, since it affects Danish-Polish grain trade. What will your diplomatic and political responses be?


VENICE

1. how will your campaign in Northern Italy continue?
a. try to defend Venice from siege at all costs, while using the fleet to attack the Spanish fleet (specify below what the targets of the fleet will be)
b. try to threaten Livorno, and/or meet the Spanish in field battle before more reinforcements arrive. If possible, try to attach rebels, militia and soldiers/mercenaries provided by Florence to your force to increase its chances
c. stay in Florence to attach more supporters to your force, before moving anywhere. If the Spanish haven't received reinforcements, move to Livorno. If they have been reinforced, defend Venice. If necessary, extract your forces by marching through the lands of the Papal States to the east coast of the Italian peninsula, and have your fleet move the troops to the city of Venice

2. naval actions. Explain how to distribute your fleet over the Mediterranean, and what targets to prioritize
i. navally supplying Venice in case of siege - this requires 25 merchants, and any warship escort you consider necessary
ii. threatening the Spanish forces fighting the Ottomans - this requires 20 warships, and preferably the element of surprise
iii. Spanish naval extraction at Greece - 20 warships attacking their extraction procedure here, if they choose to extract their land forces from Greece, would wreak havoc and cause extreme damage. But if they don't try to extract, there would be no such possibility
iv. harassing Spanish shipping passing the southern tip of the Italian peninsula - 5 warships could do well in cutting off almost all unescorted merchants here
v. attacking Spanish shipping to Northern Italy. Maybe 5 warships could threaten the current presence, 10 warships could maybe be enough against what the Spanish are expected to send there in the coming few months. The problem is that the ships sent here will be sent all the way around the Italian peninsula and be unavailable for defending and supplying Venice, and for blocking the entrace to the Adriatic sea for Spanish forces

3. hiring more mercenaries? Around 3,000 infantry and 500 cavalry is available within two months, and 5,000 more infantry and 1,000 more cavalry available within four months

[Warluster]

Offcial Statement from the Kingdom of Brandenburg

I say things of what are in matter, one thing is-

I request the Catholic leage to stop Attacking the protestant union, if you keep attacking The protestant Union any diplomatic relations between us will drop very fast.

To the Ottoman Sultan; I have always remained neutral with you, but your forces are right now a threat to Europe. TO have controlled Norht Africa, Middle East and greece you have to War-Hungrary, so i say this: Retreat from Vieena while you can, if I have to I will assist European Forces, and help destroy you, if you do retreat, I shall make sure diplomacy florushies between us.

To King of Poland: I see reasons both from Sweden and Polan about this war, and if you request troops form Ducal Prussia, I will say no, if you keep requesting, diplomatic relations shall drop. I can not support an war against Sweden, during the War against the HRE they supported us greatly, and we have to re pay them, but we are bound to our treaty.

[Franconicus]

:france:
The French governments demands, that the Ottomans end the siege of Port Said immediately. Furthermore, the government expects an explanation for this hostile act.

Louis XIII.

[Randarkmaan]

-------------------------------------------------------

The French governments demands, that the Ottomans end the siege of Port Said immediately. Furthermore, the government expects an explanation for this hostile act.

Louis XIII.

His majesty is also surprised at this turn of events, he ordered the force assembled to disperse the Spanish forces present in the Suez. But due to the Spaniard's horrid surprise attack on Alexandria many must have been filled with anger and in return have carried out reprisals against Latins in the country. His highness regrets that this hostile act has been carried out, and will send orders to relieve the siege, he hopes the French king may find it in his heart to forgive a man for a mistake.

--------------------------------------------------------

His most imperial majesty, the Sultan Ahmad I applaud the inhabitants of Varna and the other defenders for resisting the marauding Polish and their barbarious Cossack allies! Rest assured, you will be relieved, when that time comes and the Polish are defeated there will be plenty of booty for you to share amongst yourself!

He also applauds the Greeks who have resisted the Spaniards in their treacherous attack on their homes. At the same time he is disappointed that some, like the 4000 men in Cyprus, have changed sides to join the Latins, do they not remember how the Latins raped their country the last time they were "invited" over? However, any Greek who has turned sides will be forgiven if he surrenders now while it is not too late. His majesty knows that many are discontent that they have not received ample help against the Latin barbarians. But fear not! A relief force is coming, and any Greek who takes up arms against these Spanish dogs will be remembered and rewarded with plentiful bounty when the Spaniards are defeated.

The Sultan also wishes to announce that for anyone living inside his borders who has had his possessions or otherwise damaged by this war, he (the sultan) will pay to cover the destruction wrecked upon him by this war. This includes the remaining inhabitants of Vienna, who ofcourse will be free to practise their faith and govern their followers as they see fit, so long as they stay loyal to the Sultan.

-----------------------------------------------------------

[SwordsMaster]

His Most Catholic Imperial Majesty Philippe III, announces:

To the Christians that support Spain against the Sultan in Greece, Cyprus, and other territories:

Those that will support the inevitable advance of the Spanish army will be spared from the destruction of war, and given homes in Spanish colonies should the ottoman repression force them to leave their land. Know that Spain has no intention of occupying these territories, and it will allow them to remain independent under spanish protection after the defeat of the Sultan.

Those who resist spanish advance will be stripped of their land that will be given to those who aid my campaign.

The cities of Athens, and Corinth and others liberated by the glorious Imperial army can form their own governments that will be recognised by the Emperor.

To the Sultan:

As you may have noticed, the armies of the True Faith are victorious. You have lost half of your army, and the control of your own seas. After the treacherous venetians are dealt with, you will feel the full power of the new navy, and after your men's supplies are in my hands your army will wither down even faster. Who will follow a leader that doesn't feed them?

I suggest you give up this war. These are the conditions I am prepared to negotiate: Vienna remains Habsburg, Cyprus is returned to the Knights of St John, and Athens and Corinth become independent spanish protectorate dutchies.

I can replace my cannons in a few months, but it will take you a generation to replace your men.

I will await your reply.


To Venice:

Doge?! More like dog! Exept you lack one of a dog's qualities. Loyalty to your own God! You have allied yourself with the heathen! You will use your fleets and fighting men against Catholics!

Despite my guarantees that I would not hurt Venice, your petty ambition and greed pushed you to attack the defenseless citizens of Florence. Know this, then: There will be no peace between us until my fleets are docked in Venice, and their cannons have destroyed your palace. Then we will negotiate.

[Randarkmaan]

Lost half my army?! Are you on hashish or something, my friend? I still have 130 000 men left, Vienna is in my hands and your armies have humiliated themselves with running!

Ignoramus, clear your PM box, the Sultan wishes an audience!

[Rodion Romanovich]

From the Papacy:

The Holy Father is praying for the brave soldiers who died in their valiant defense of Vienna. Their work has weakened the armies of the Heathen severely, and it will soon be forced into retreat, giving up Vienna before they can devastate it much more than their ruthlessness has already done. A mass will be held a in Rome in memory of those who died, and in honor of those who are continuing to fight in defense of the Faith.

Papa Paulus Quintus, Episcopus Romanus

[SwordsMaster]

Lost half my army?! Are you on hashish or something, my friend? I still have 130 000 men left, Vienna is in my hands and your armies have humiliated themselves with running!

Ignoramus, clear your PM box, the Sultan wishes an audience!

So you are calling it a success that of an army of 250000, you have 130000 fit for service? Or does that show concern for the lives of your soldiers?

Vienna will be recovered, do not worry, and I will send more men and resources that way as soon as I have solved my problems in Venice.

[Randarkmaan]

It was an army of 150 000 men... I lost less men during the fighting than the holy leauge, though I may have had more dead, The whole garrison has been captured and is at my mercy.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We warn Brandenburg not to intefere in our quenching of the northern rebellion. It will be war if you do. The Protesteant leaders are rebels, nothing more and will be dealt with like the dogs they are.

We also call for the people of Vienna to attmpt in no actions that would end with blood being spilled.

[Warluster]

The protestant Union leaders are not animals! They see themselves free, you know that if you capture there territory they will rebel, burn and pillage lands, I see you not in a good light anymore Emperor, please do not attack the rebels, I beg of you.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We implaude you not to interfere in the polotics of the Empire, it will be seen as an act of war. These men are Rebel dogs, you would act the same way if rebels uprose in you're Kingdom. These men are not worthy of power and shall be stripped of it, and most likley, their lives as well, by form of the Hangman, The Drawer amd the Executioner.

[IrishArmenian]

The Tsar would like to remind the good and honest King of France that those Polish mercenaries are costing a lot of French money. Will Wladyslaw benefit you in any way? No--he is a puppet ingrate who is far to preoccupied by a mere rebel to help you in any way. Are you supporting him because he is Catholic?
I have one wish, good King of France, and that is to know the reason you aid Wladyslaw.

[Warluster]

Fine then german Emperor, agree in some aspects, but these rebels are certain to uprise again.

I shall not interfere again, but put it this way, I shall not attack the german Empire, I shall protect the protestant Union, and I shall welcome any of them escaping into Bradenburg!

[Franconicus]

:france:
We are concerned about the current development in the Mediterranean Sea. To secure our bases, the ports of Sues and Port Said are closed for all foreign ships.

We ask all parties to respect the free sea trade. Any hostile act against French ships, mercants or bases will be seen as declaration of war and responded with the might of the French forces.

We are also concerned about the situation on the Balkans. We condemn this war. We ask all parties to end their hostilities and return to the state before the war. Furthermore, we ask the Sultan, why he invaded the country that belongs to Ferdinand. Although he might have had some trouble with Matthias, we would like to know what reason Ferdinand gave him.

Especially we ask the Turks to set free the garrison and population of Vienna.

Louis XIII.

:france:
Louis XIII., King of France and Navarre, Souvereign of the Nouvelle France and Marianna as well as the oversea departements, by the Grace of God, condemns every uprise against the God given order. Even if the rebels claim to have noble reasons, their leader is the devil himself. He ask the rebels in all countries to submit to the legal authorities - for the sake of their own souls!

:france:
The King of France condemns the hostilities between Spain and Venice. This war is a shame for all Catholic countries. Become rational and end this war, that only benefits the enemies of the real faith.

Louis XIII.

[Franconicus]

The Tsar would like to remind the good and honest King of France that those Polish mercenaries are costing a lot of French money. Will Wladyslaw benefit you in any way? No--he is a puppet ingrate who is far to preoccupied by a mere rebel to help you in any way. Are you supporting him because he is Catholic?
I have one wish, good King of France, and that is to know the reason you aid Wladyslaw.
I am not paying anything, neither to you, nor to the csar!

No more loans are granted for Wladyslaw.

[Ignoramus]

We welcome the Ottoman ambassador

As for you Spanish dogs, we will have words with you at Madrid.

[SwordsMaster]

We welcome the Ottoman ambassador

As for you Spanish dogs, we will have words with you at Madrid.

Do not dare insult me venetian, for I have the courage to declare war before I attack, while you backstabbed me when I wasn't looking. Snakes do that, and rats. Which one are you?

[Franconicus]

:france:
End this unworthy conversation, my brothers in faith. You may fight each other and even kill each other, but you may not insult eachother like tinkerers do. What image do you present the misguided heathens. I complain about the loss of virtue in the Catholic countries.

[Ignoramus]

May I remind you, King Louis, that you can hardly call yourself a good Catholic is you allow Protestants to freely live in France. However, we are a tolerant people.

[Franconicus]

May I remind you, King Louis, that you can hardly call yourself a good Catholic is you allow Protestants to freely live in France. However, we are a tolerant people.
:france:
Who are you to critizise me? Who are you that you dare to doubt my true catholic faith?

Under my government French missonaries penetrated deeply into the wilderness of the heathens. Caring more about the glory of the Lord than about their own lifes they spread the word among those misguided creatures, children of the same Father, thirting for salvations. Many thousands achieved salvations, many thousands praise the Lord for that and thank the French King.

What did you do all the time? You made obscure business with the heathens. Therefore, Lord of the merchants, do not try to teach Us a lesson about the true Catholic faith. Do not force Us to look closer to your unholy affairs. We might be forced to interfere.

[IrishArmenian]

Good King of France, the Tsar apologises for the misunderstanding. He wishes you the best.

[IrishArmenian]

:france:
We are concerned about the current development in the Mediterranean Sea. To secure our bases, the ports of Sues and Port Said are closed for all foreign ships.

We ask all parties to respect the free sea trade. Any hostile act against French ships, mercants or bases will be seen as declaration of war and responded with the might of the French forces.

We are also concerned about the situation on the Balkans. We condemn this war. We ask all parties to end their hostilities and return to the state before the war. Furthermore, we ask the Sultan, why he invaded the country that belongs to Ferdinand. Although he might have had some trouble with Matthias, we would like to know what reason Ferdinand gave him.

Especially we ask the Turks to set free the garrison and population of Vienna.

Louis XIII.

:france:
Louis XIII., King of France and Navarre, Souvereign of the Nouvelle France and Marianna as well as the oversea departements, by the Grace of God, condemns every uprise against the God given order. Even if the rebels claim to have noble reasons, their leader is the devil himself. He ask the rebels in all countries to submit to the legal authorities - for the sake of their own souls!

:france:
The King of France condemns the hostilities between Spain and Venice. This war is a shame for all Catholic countries. Become rational and end this war, that only benefits the enemies of the real faith.

Louis XIII.
The Tsar agrees whole-heartedly, King of France. The Tsar looks forward to a time of peace, acceptance, religious tolerance, intolerance to injustice and prosperity between us all.
The Tsar suggests making money off of the lucrative hashish trade, which will bring strong diplomatic ties to the good Ottomans. Those who have multi-religious subjects should learn from their Millet system.

[Randarkmaan]

We could agree to hand Vienna over, I do not wish perpetual war and as long as the conditions are fair I will play along. First of all the Emperor of Germany, Ferdinand, must swear not too come with threats against our realm, as did his predecessor Mathias, by now he should know that if we want to we can take Vienna or maybe another city of his. We wish to advice him not to give us a reason to return. The Holy League army will disband and return to where they came from. Spain will withdraw out of our waters and return all they have stolen in Greece and Cyprus (or in their words; "liberated") and will no longer have a military presence in Egypt. The Polish will withdraw from Bulgaria and pay for whatever destructions they and their barbarous allies may have caused.
To me these seem like acceptable terms.

[Incongruous]

the German Government.

This is war Sultan, not a tea party, you cannot call it off when the weather does not go you're way.

[Randarkmaan]

You want to fight eh? Can't see how your position is more enviable than mine actually... Your combined armies just failed to protect the greatest city of Austria, good luck trying to get it back any other way than me giving it to you of free will.

[SwordsMaster]

You want to fight eh? Can't see how your position is more enviable than mine actually... Your combined armies just failed to protect the greatest city of Austria, good luck trying to get it back any other way than me giving it to you of free will.

Sultan, even you must appreciate that you cannot wage war on 3 fronts. Greece, Bulgaria and Austria are too much for you to handle. You will be destroyed, and then the conditions will be much more severe than the ones I asked for.

[Marshal Murat]

To the inhabitants of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
As this unfortunate and un-provoked attack by the Swedes has occured, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth asks that NO SUCCOR be provided to the invading Swedes!
I am asking that all loyal Poles, Germans, Ruthenians, Lithuanians, Cossacks of all bands and tribes, I ask that you send your grain to the cities, and if the Swedes do besiege the city and capture it, I only ask that the grain stores and ammunition be disposed of.
Render no services to the Swedes, loyal peoples of the Commonwealth. The Crown is now in the process of raising troops for this upcoming assault on the Swedish threat, and we ask that all fields be burned before them, so our horses hooves will stamp their blood into them, and make the weeds die with their poisonous blood!
Partisans, I ask all of you to burn your homes before rendering service to the Swedes. Assault their wagon trains, their ships, their docks, their supporters and allies!
Defend the Commonwealth, sons and daughters all!

I will have you know, the Swedes are haughty and foolish. They have offered terms of peace that amount to nothing! We are not a broken country, but a sleeping giant, that once awakened will rip the enemy to shreds.

The Polish-Lithuanian King would also ask that Brandenburg render to the Commonwealth troops or payment for troops, so as to fulfill her vassal's duty. If this doesn't occur, then I may be forced to take drastic actions, that I will not perform unless made to do so.
This is not a declaration of war on the neutral Brandenburg. I have not sent troops into the lands, nor do I plan to. I will not force the vassal to do so, unless the Sejm supports my actions.
As King of this glorious Commonwealth, I ask that all knights volunteer to join the banner of the Crown and his Hetman leaders. I ask Voyevodes, mayors, governors, magistrates, and townships to render any assistance required by the Crown and her armies. Contribute money, troops, supplies, mounts, cannons, and materials to lead a war against this invader and rapist of the Motherland. I will hold all loyal sirs close to my heart, as you have shown that the Motherland is a place of freedom, for the nobles, for the people, and one which you will die for. I as King as only this of you, your loyal and faithful service to the country.
Do not fear such a barbaric threat! I ask that you keep the faith of God, and render the Swedes no assistance.

King Sigismund III
King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
In the Year of Our Lord 1615

[Lord Winter]

Is this is what it has come to Pole? Ordering your people give poland to the flame just to avoid it falling into Swedish hands? May I remained the noble Polish people that if they fall the advice of this mad lunatic that they will surly starve throughout the winter. This is not a noble gesture of defiance this is the desperate order of a gredy king with no thought for his people.

To the Prussian's if you wish to be free from the polish the Swedes will aid you. The time has come for the power of Poland to be broken if they do not surrender.

OCC: The polish king seems to be spending to much time in russia, he is starting to sound like them. :laugh4:

[Marshal Murat]

It is to bad the Swede doesn't realize the stockpiles of food amassed by the Crown and Sejm in cities across Poland.
I think the invader would wish you to simply give your fields to him, once his supplies begin to flitter away after the people of Poland capture them.
It's he who is the raving lunatic, nobles, who seeks to win in Poland!

[SwordsMaster]

His Most Catholic Imperial Majesty Philippe of Spain wishes to announce that he will lend his support for the Polish struggle once the Turk has been driven away from Vienna.

[Incongruous]

The German Government

Germany gives her support to the Polish cause, any attack on Poland is an attck on Germany. Allies do not relieve themselves of one another when it suits them.

We thank Brandenbourg for agreeing not to interfere, however, we ask that you not give asylum to Rebels from which they may cause more destruction.

[Warluster]

I have many matters to tell of, and one is this-


I shall not interfere in the war of Poland vs Sweden. Why? I shall not support Sweden because of Peace termsn arranged with Poland.

To the king of Poland: I shall not give troops to your cause of war against Sweden, and never will as the Swedes were loyal to us during the last war. I can also not pay for your troops as my treasury is failing, i have not a lot of money left, even though the German Empire payed for costs of the war, we still have no money to spare.


To The german Emperor: I shall aid the protestant Rebels in every way but attacking you, they ar eloyal firends and have helped me, and I shall accomadate as many as I can!


So out of this mess is say this, if the Ottoman Empire wins the next battle, I shall send my army in to help the rest of the Europeans, and will attack Venice. I have of course started to re-form my army and it is much bigger and modern then before. I shall support the protestant Rebels (But not attack the HRE) and shall support no one is the Polish-Swedeish War.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We beg you not to support rebels to appointed Emperors. It is a desecration of everything sacred. More than an affront to us, it is an affront to God.

[Franconicus]

:france:
:no:
The German Empire is at war with the Ottomans and the Swedish, as well as with rebels in the homeland and threatening Brandenburg
Sweden is making war with Poland and propably with Germany
Poland is at war with Sweden and the Turks as well as having trouble with his Prussian vasal and is involved in the riots at Russia
Spain is at war with the Turks and Venice
France has to fight a revolt and is challenged by Venice and provoked by the Turks
Venice is at war with Spain and challenging France
The Netherlands are not involved in any war right now, but due to their agressive policy outside Europe there is a high risk of a trade war.
Denmark keeps out of the war, but will propably be pulled into the quarrels with Germany and Poland.
Russia is still in the middle of a rebellion.
Only the Kingdom of England and Scottland is successfully keeping peace.

The world is sinking in chaos, war and disorder everywhere. Children disobey their parents, women disobey their husbands, subjects disobey their kings. The Christian Nations, united by the same faith bahave like Cain and Abel. Stop this meander, return to the order, God gave us and to the Unity of all Christian Nations. Stop supporting the affair of the antichrist.

I suggest, that all Christian souvereigns, Catholics as well as Protestants, meet at one conference to settle our differences. I would like to ask my brother James to host this meeting, because London is the only safe and neutral place in the moment.

Louis XIII. by the Grace of God

[Franconicus]

sorry. double post

[Warluster]

I agree with the king of France, but before I put aiside any problems I would like to see several things happen, abd babraric motions tostop.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We are un-able to endorse such a proposal King of France, no matter how much we wish it.
Brandenburg, we wish you're friendly and lawful co-operation in the matter of rebellion. It is of course, expected out of hand that such an hobourable and worthy ruler as you're self will hand over any Rebels apprehended, to be dealt with by their Government and Loyal Overlord under God.

[King Kurt]

Statement from the Court of King James

The King wishes it to be known that he is happy to host the proposed meeting by the King of France where he can share with his fellow rulers the benefits of ruling a country at peace with its neighbours and to pass on his knowledge and wisdom.
The world seems a dangerous place at the moment - no doubt the work of witches and sodomites.
Any meeting will be held within the Tower of London, to ensure the safety of all participants. In the past I would have suggested the palace of Westminster, but since the unfortunate Guy Fawkes incident some years ago, I am cautious about such a venue.

God save the King

signed this day
King James the first of England and sixth of Scotland.

[SwordsMaster]

His Most Catholic Imperial Majesty Philippe of Spain will be visiting Rome this season to seek the guidance of His Holiness the Pope to see Spain through these troubled times. Therefore HMCIM will not be able to attend the meeting in London this season. Of course HMCIM will consider attending such a meeting in the future.

[Marshal Murat]

We in Poland believe that Guy Fawkes was wrongly accused of such a crime! If he had a match in a room full of barrels, that does not render him criminal if those barrels were filled with gunpowder!
The materials inside such cases are null and void to the case and charge that he is accused of.
Free Fawkes! He could have wanted to find his glasses, or identify where the cord of hemp led to. It is not his fault that someone placed gunpowder in those barrels.

OOC:Isn't this someones sig? Not serious, but still.

[IrishArmenian]

:france:
I suggest, that all Christian souvereigns, Catholics as well as Protestants, meet at one conference to settle our differences. I would like to ask my brother James to host this meeting, because London is the only safe and neutral place in the moment.

As the only Orthodox ruler, I will be honoured to attend your meeting. I request safe passage through Poland, Prussia, Germany and France so that I may take a ferry across the channel.
EDIT: If Poland recalls Wladyslaw (some Russian name, eh?), then I shall mediate these feuds, for the Dutch Elector is, unavailable. It would be most adventageous as I, the Tsar, am personal friends with the Duke of Prussia and the Sultan.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We have made our stance on Rebels known, they are fit only for the Executioner. You shall not eneter our lands, under pain of death.

[Lord Winter]

Offical Anoucement from the Kingdom of Sweden
Any Pole that is not part of the polish army who is caught harming any Swedish solider or supply depot will be treated as a Brigand and hung as such. The Occupied polish provinces will be allowed all the rights of the native citizens of the empire including, the right to participate in the Rikdag or the Commoners diet. If the Polish do however resort to the desperation of a scorched earth policy Sweden will answer in full, with there own raiding.

The rightful Tsar is welcome to take passage through the Swedish lands of Estonia, Finland then stockholm were he may take a fleet to England with Sweden's envoy.

To France and England:
King Gustav will not be attending in person as long as the war in Poland is still raging, as his duty lies with his army. However he will send his chief minister Axel in his place.

To Germany, Spain and members of the Protestant Collation
You do realize that by treaty any catholic aggression against Sweden, as a member of the Protestant collation, is a declaration of war against the rest of the collation. Does Spain have the strength to fight both the Swedes, Dutch, Brandenburians, (OCC: King Kurt has England joined the collation?) and her current war with the Ottomans? Is Germany eager to fight another war so quickly after there crushing defeat in the last one. Let us see reason, recognize Vasilli as the rightful tsar and make peace. To deal with this catholic aggression King Gustav calls a meeting of the Protestant collation in Stockholm, following the London submit to discuss the future of the Collation.

[IrishArmenian]

The German Government.

We have made our stance on Rebels known, they are fit only for the Executioner. You shall not eneter our lands, under pain of death.
Well then, the righteous King of Sweden has already offered me safe passage, so I call back that request. So, no need for forgiveness because one cannot answer a non-existant question.
As Christians, we shall turn the other cheek to insults. Shall you join us in following our religion, rather than just using it?

[Warluster]

From the Kingdom of Brandenburg
Our nation once again pledges its loyalty to the protestant Coiltion, and if any other member of the coilation is attacked, Bradenburg shall help them in any way.

I,King of Bradenburg, have tried to help the King of Sweden, but we have of course done Peace with Poland. But, we wish for the war between Sweden and poland to stop. it is useless, wasting money and lives, if neccsary, I shall send in an army as an Peace Keeping Force, to keep order and stop this war.

To the Ottoman Sultan
i shall not attack you with my army, but *i warn of you. Stop at Vienna, if you keep advancing into Europe, you shall encounter more then the HRE,Papal States and Spain, you shall encounter Prussia,France and the Netherlands, you shall encounter Poland,Sweden and Russia, and all shall make it there clear motion to stop you. All armies combined would be un stoppable, as all are much more modern then the ottoman Army. So i say this, if you come near Brandenburg (Prussia) I shall attack with an all out force. If you attack my allies and Friedns (Netherlands,Sweden,poland,France and England) I shall attack you, and if you advance any further into Europe, i shall attack.

To the German Emperor
I am greatly disappointed you still kill the Rebels, rather then persuade them to join you again?

I make you this offer German Emperor, capture as many Rebels as you can, but can you hand at least half of them to brandenburg?


OOC- BTW, what name do you think better, Brandenburg or Prussia?

[Randarkmaan]

To the Ottoman Sultan
i shall not attack you with my army, but *i warn of you. Stop at Vienna, if you keep advancing into Europe, you shall encounter more then the HRE,Papal States and Spain, you shall encounter Prussia,France and the Netherlands, you shall encounter Poland,Sweden and Russia, and all shall make it there clear motion to stop you. All armies combined would be un stoppable, as all are much more modern then the ottoman Army. So i say this, if you come near Brandenburg (Prussia) I shall attack with an all out force. If you attack my allies and Friedns (Netherlands,Sweden,poland,France and England) I shall attack you, and if you advance any further into Europe, i shall attack.

Now I am scared... May I remind you that as a European country (at least 35 or % European) I have as much right to wage war in Europe as you do. Though should the new Emperor not be as provocative as he his predecessor was I will not advance any further. You know, it is arrogant threats such as these talking of your supposed superiority in battle and of faith that led me to attack. So try to cool down on these for a while and go fight with the protestant rebels and die honourably instead.

[Kagemusha]

Message from the Government of Netherlands:

"Netherlands will accept the invitation to London,while at current situation it seems peace is not coming in to Europe in near future. But if we talk maybe we understand each other better."

Emissary of Netherlands

[Warluster]

Sorry, honourable SUltan. i was testing you for a reply. You seem not ready to jump down, and I accpet your position as one European Country. BUt, i was saying in my own way, of this -

I meant that if you were to threaten my country, I would attack as any other country. But to this collection of Nations in EUrope, we see you as an invader, and take it too heart. if only people were to solve problems diplomaticlly! The German Empire threw threats at you, and threw out bait, now you have bitten it, and charged forward recklessly into its territory! of course we threaten, tease and insult you! You are seen as invaders! SO do not take it to heart when we try to insult you Geat Sultan, and I personbally say we stop this useless war for now, and think on our actions, as right now the German Empire, the ottoman EMpire and all invloved with Vienna, are acting very stupidly, and take this as no insult, but advice.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We said we supported Poland, we did not say we would aid it, it an impossobility, both politicaly and in point of fact.

We will not recognise any rebel, he can only expect to be hung drawn and quatered if he enters our lands, as can all rebels.

Again, the affront of Vienna being taken is to much at the moment, thus we cannot accept any peace terms at the moment.

Most Noble Friends of Brandenburg?
We would appreciate it if you formely denounced the Rebels, as such. We shall not hand over any of them that are captured, though we expect a fine man such as you'reself to hand over any fleeing traitors to Imperial authority.

[Warluster]

brandenburg shall hand over the leader and co-leaders, for a price. We welcome and other protestant rebels an home in our lands while I am king, all but for those which are hunted.

[King Kurt]

We in Poland believe that Guy Fawkes was wrongly accused of such a crime! If he had a match in a room full of barrels, that does not render him criminal if those barrels were filled with gunpowder!
The materials inside such cases are null and void to the case and charge that he is accused of.
Free Fawkes! He could have wanted to find his glasses, or identify where the cord of hemp led to. It is not his fault that someone placed gunpowder in those barrels.

OOC:Isn't this someones sig? Not serious, but still.
King James wishes it to be known that if our polish friends want to have Fawkes, they can have him!!
If they will provide us with an address, we will arrange for the five parcels to be delivered to them. Our apologies if they smell at bit, but they have been hanging on pikes by one of the gates to the city since he was hung, drawn and quartered in 1606!!
For those interested in Guy and his fate - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_fawkes

He is often refered to as the only man to enter Parliament with honest intentions!!

[IrishArmenian]

My apologies, Ferdinand. Your thirst for blood will not be quenched, I am taking a ship from Sweden. Ferdinand, I have no problems with you. You are not my former ally, but you have not attacked me, so you are a neutral party. No different. If you want me dead, the only negative thing I have to say is that I do not plan on dying soon, although if you are patient, you will get your wish at some time or another. There is one catch, and that is if you wish to live to see my death or not. God willing, I live a long, healthy life in which I restore my line to its former prestige not just in Russia, but throughout Europe.

[Marshal Murat]

The Commonwealth has revisited the means and ways of Guy Fawkes, and we feel that he is, actually, responsible for attempted murder of those in Parliament, and others in Britain.
We apologize for any attempt or insult derived from our post on the innocence of the man Guy Fawkes.


Vasili, we in the Polish Commonwealth ask that you simply join the new Russian tsar and forget the previous harms and faults that may have been inflicted upon you.
Bygones be bygones.

[Franconicus]

:france:
The French government is pleased to make this announcement:

We received the message of the fall of Vienna some months ago and it caused a lot of worries and concerns. Especially, we prayed for those Christian defenders of the town, that were captured by the Turks and met an uncertain fate.

Louis XIII., King by the Grace of God, attended to them and sent his ambassaders to the court of the Sultan.

God softened the heart of the Sultan and he accepted to deliver the defenders of Vienna, in number about 7.500, to France. In return the French King gave His word, that they will stay at France and not support any hostilities against the Sultan, as long as this war takes place.

Praise the Lord for His mercy.

God save the King!
:balloon2: :balloon2:

[Incongruous]

We have yet to see any brave Frenchmen in the War.
Where are they most noble King?

[Franconicus]

Ask Tilly, he saw more than he could stand!
Right now the French soldiers are fighting god damned rebels.

[Warluster]

And not every nation has to be caught up in wars, France obviously had there own problems, and just because HRE is at Vienna, it doesn't mean the rest of the world has to be, I still see the fight in Vienna useless, and support neither Emperor or Sultan, though I put my money whos to win.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

Why, noble king do you stoop to petty name calling?
If you do not wish to aid us, simply say so, no need to be-little us aswell.

French king, we regret you're noble nations absence on the field.

[Warluster]

I am making my point great emperor, a point which i see needs to be proven. People are dieing for no reason at all over a city, I am grateful that the French king got back the prisioners.

Please, german Empror, I would like to propose a diplomatic meeting in a place of your suggestion, very soon to discuss certian things.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We shall allow you a private audience noble King. We shall travel to Berlin, on the proviso that you give us an armed guard, and invite no others to this meeting.

[Marshal Murat]

The King of the Commonwealth would rather stand and defend the Commonwealth from the Swedish attack, and wishes to know if he might be able to send an envoy to the meeting.

[Warluster]

We would not do something as low as a assainsation, and shall of course put guards around the perimeter.

King of Poland, if you wish to discuss diplomactic thing I am sure I could arrange a time to speak?

I shall head out to Berlin at once!

[IrishArmenian]

The Tsar suggests that both the King of Prussia and the Emperor be wary of Spanish attacks. The Spanish army, whatever is left of it, is still around. The King of Spain has threatened both of you repeatedley. I say this as a third party, an ally to Brandenburg, and also a Christian.

[Incongruous]

The German government.

We do not wish to have you sully the plotok of the real world, Vasili. You are no ally to anyone, but simply an ulcer wich begs for attention constantly.
If you join you're rightfull overlord, I would be happy to argue for you're positions among the most powerful in Europe.

[SwordsMaster]

The Tsar suggests that both the King of Prussia and the Emperor be wary of Spanish attacks. The Spanish army, whatever is left of it, is still around. The King of Spain has threatened both of you repeatedley. I say this as a third party, an ally to Brandenburg, and also a Christian.

The soldiers of Spain are defending Germany, boyar. What are your soldiers doing? Paying tribute to the turk? I am sure the people of Russia will be most grateful to you after you sell them into infidel slavery.

I have not threatened the Emperor, and I never had the intention of doing so.

As of the self-proclaimed King of Brandembourgh, Spain does not recognise its claim as a kingdom, but will continue to deal with them as Duke and Kurfurst of the Holy Roman Empire.

HMCIM Philippe wishes to remind the Duke of Brandembourgh that the making of a monarch is in the hands of God, and not in the realm of an overly ambitious nobleman.

I am sure His Holiness will agree with me on this issue.

[Warluster]

Why king of Spain, do you not see me as rightful king!!! I see you defending Germany only for your only good! Your not helping any allies, or friends, just greedy! A while ago, the German Empire and Brandenburg were at war, part of the Peace terms was that Brandenburg got its independance, you can aks the German EMperor, he will back up my story! I did not self-proclaim it, it was part of a deal! You only care about your holiness and money, I say that is greed

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We di grant you you'e freedom, you were not granted a kingdom, but out of diplomacy we called you such. The only person who could have given you lawful kingship was you're Emperor, whom you betrayed and then threw away like a doll.

If you wish to become a true king, you must bend you're knee to be crowned by the Emperor.

[Warluster]

OOC- Darn it, I thought that was what becoming a kingdom was, freedom!

IC-

I have to pledge loyalty to the emperor to become a kingdom!? I thought orignally freedom meant we were our own country now!! I shall become a seperate country, and if Ihave to get to it through war or peace, i shall! More things to discuss in Berlin!

[Kagemusha]

Here in Netherlands we are wondering what the German and Spanish Emperor are about. As far as we know,Brandenburg is a Protestant country and independent,so neither of the Emperors, nor pope has nothing to say if the Duke of Brandenburg decides to declare King of his own domain,other matter is Prussia,where he is Duke and cant be a King, but then most of the Monarchs already have large amount of titles so he can be King of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia the same time.

Emissary of Netherlands

[IrishArmenian]

Alright, go ahead. Spain has condemned you for your renaming of your empire and now is probably going to attack you and unite all of your former lands under one flag. Now, I am done with that issue.
You condemn me for allying with the Osmans? Who else could I turn too? Poland attacked me, backed by all of the Catholics. I formed an alliance with the Protestant Sweden, one of the most technologically adept and yet most kind kingdoms to ever rule. Now, there was still one wild card, the Ottoman Empire.
You Catholics claimed they were your enemy and thrust them into war. Now, with all the Catholics against me, what was I to do? The enemy of my enemy is my brother, that is what brought the Osmans and I into an alliance. You brought this upon yourselves, you fools. You should've restrained Sigismund, and I may have thought better of you Christianity-abusing pigs!
You can redeem yourselves however. Petition Sigismund to call back Wladyslaw and I would negotiate on your behalf, that is, unless you want your dwellings burnt, your women raped and your land reduced to a barren plain by the so-called "Heathen Turk".
--Tsar Vasili, the Rightful Tsar of the Rus

[Marshal Murat]

Tsar, if you were more benevolent and just with your people you may have some right to rule. Now you insult Catholic nations, and ask what you could have done? You could have ruled peacefully, and when that failed, you might have allowed yourself to become a profitable boyar. Now you incite rebellion and aggression in Russia against it's ruler, and have allied with the Lutheran Swede, selling your soul for a few years of respite.
Now you threaten war, death, destruction, and plunder! What will you gain but resentful subjects, destroyed lands, and an empty treasury.

We in Poland would not hesitate to withdraw Wladyslaw, if that would diffuse the situation, but as agreed, HE IS OUT OF OUR HANDS. If you had wished us to control him, then you should have said something, but now, with a free hand to rule a nation, you decry him and his loyal boyars and ask US to do something! What can we do? We are a sovereign nation, he rules a sovereign, what can we do?

You are a wise and experienced soldier. Surrender yourself to Wladyslaw while there may be times to make amends and end this senseless conflict that is dragging a nation you hope to rule deeper and deeper into the pits of misery, despair, destruction, and debauchery.

[IrishArmenian]

King, I could've done what? Let you have my lands?
I'm not sure about Polish custom, but when one's land is attacked, one fights back. That, good sir, is what a benevolent leader does. He defends his people as they would. He does not allow his people to be ruled by those who brand their new subjects as heretics. He does not willingly accept the conquest of his own nation. No! He fights, to the bitter end, for what he believes in, for his people, for his right to rule peacefully and for a right to be free from the shackles of foreigners. I assume these principles are most unheard of in Poland, Germany and Spain.
Wladyslaw is getting on my nerves, but as promised, I shall not harm him. I do not wish him harm. I wish his downfall as Tsar, but he will be returned, you can baptise him again, and your family can be reunited.
Do not give me that "He is your problem now" rot. I was never your child, I am not of your line, I never sat on your knee, and yet, you intervened. You attacked me, hoping for my land, or maybe just the overthow of the rightful Tsar. Well, aided by your coffers, you succeded. But, you cannot control a nation, especially a great nation with many proud, intelligent, nationalistic, and honest people such as Russia with mere money. You might've bought Boyars, but you will never buy spirit.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We have had enough of you, most funny man. You were agreable, then annoying, but now you are angering us real men of polotics. Calling us cowards and dogs. We remind you that the last Emperor fought for his convictions, but he saw what damage it was doing his people. So he relented. Unfortunatley he was not able to see peace for his people. Nevertheless we urge you, most funny man, to come to terms with you're god given ruler.

To Brandenbourg, yes I suppose we did grant you complete freedom, but you also promised not to help rebllion in the Empire. It is not a one way agreement.
Of course you could break the peace terms. We would advise you against it, no matter how much you threaten us with you're new millitary, we shall not be cowed by double crossers. We hope we have an understanding, and shall meet you in Berlin.

[Marshal Murat]

Tsar, I'm asking you to avoid further bloodshed by yielding your rule to a tsar elected by the boyars. You aren't the ruler you hope to be, fighting for the people. You are fighting against the people! Burning their land, raping their women, taking their goods! That is what you do as rightful 'Tsar'.
If you had wanted me to play and puppet the ruler of Russia, you should have said something! He IS your problem now. I'm not able to tap his hand and say 'naughty boy!' He is a Tsar, not some oxen I can prod with a stick, and I'm not able to 'withdraw' him, and you know that very well.

I also ask the gracious Tsar, when have the boyars or Wladyslaw called the people he rules 'heretics?'

[SwordsMaster]

I assume these principles are most unheard of in Poland, Germany and Spain.

For the Tsar's information, Spain has not intervened in the war in Russia yet, and even arbitred the election among the boyars. The fact that I politically support my allies as you do with yours, is not in any way dishonourable. Allying yourself with the desecrators of Christ is.


Protestant country and independent,so neither of the Emperors, nor pope has nothing to say if the Duke of Brandenburg decides to declare King of his own domain,

While it is his right to proclaim himself king or buffon or even bishop, it is the right of Spain not to recognise that claim. Spain will continue to treat him as the Duke of Brandembourgh.


Spain has condemned you for your renaming of your empire and now is probably going to attack you and unite all of your former lands under one flag. Now, I am done with that issue.

What are your ambitions in Brandembourgh, rebel? I have not threatened war on the Duke of Brandembourgh so far, and I had not the intention of doing it. I intend to support my allies as I have done in the past.

I also urge you to attend to your own business, and stop blaming others for your incapacity. You are not a ruler because you do not deserve to be one in the eyes of your own boyars. Who else can you blame?

[Warluster]

(OOC- hey SwordsMaster, Brandembourgh is actually spelt Brandenburg! And I was a elector before!))

Brandenburg shall not get caught up in anything to do with the Russian Tsars, and says nothing on that situation.

I am disappointed that the king of Spain still believes I am a elector, but I can say this- I am no Duke or king anymore, I am no Elector anymore, Brandenburg/Prussia is no longer part of the Holy Roman EMpire, so we are Duke to no one. if I do not want my country to fall apart, then i need a King, and the only candidate right now (In my country) was me, so i declared myself King of Brandenburg/Duke of Prussia, and I have been appointed rightfully.

Now, to more important matters. Although Spain,HRE and the papal Bull are all fighting the Ottoman Empire, I shall not fight them, BUT, with such a large army, don't they need supplying? ANd where do they get supplies from? There country, but more importantly, Venice. just a suggestion, but hear it wisely.

[IrishArmenian]

I also ask the gracious Tsar, when have the boyars or Wladyslaw called the people he rules 'heretics?'
I was speaking of his being Catholic, and how he has now joined a Faith considered "Heretical by the Pope. It is a bit strange, no? I would assume it to be much harder to forsake one's religion for another, but then again, I was always Orthodox, so I never had to change.

[Marshal Murat]

While the good Father, the Pope, has been a Shepard to the Catholic Flock, we in the Commonwealth embrace all religions.

[IrishArmenian]

I applaud you for that, Sigismund.
If you have no say in the politics of Russia, however, do not try to persuade me into kneeling to Wladyslaw.
The same goes for all of the other European Monarchs who choose to voice their opinion about me.

[Franconicus]

:france:
We are confused by the discussons that are currently going around in Europe. Discussions that are questioning or relativating the holy institution of a kingdom.
There is only one way to become King: the mercy of the Lord. And there is only one way to keep it: faith in God, justice and strength.

You hardly can declare yourself King, even if you are independant. In case of Brandenburg, I assume that he needs (and has) the confirmation of Germany and Poland.

[SwordsMaster]

(OOC- hey SwordsMaster, Brandembourgh is actually spelt Brandenburg! And I was a elector before!))

OOC:
Sorry, I kind of unconsciously assumed it was sort of like Luxembourg... :shame:

IC:

In any case it is the right of a sovereign to recognise those he believes his equals and those he believes are not. In this case, HMCIM Philippe's government will not recognise God's will for the Duke of Brandenburg to be King unless the Holy Father crowns him.

The Council of the Realm also advised HMCIM Philippe to style himself Philippe I so as to reflect himself as the first Emperor of all the Spains and defender of the Catholic faith. This advise has been graciously accepted by the Emperor and will from now on be adopted by His chronists, emissaries and scribes.

[Kagemusha]

Does The Spanish Emperor forget that Brandenburg is not Catholic.So why should King of Brandenburg be coronated by pope? And even if he was,why should he be coronated by Pope,when Pope only coronates Emperors. Will you also neglect King of England as not King as he is not Catholic and not coronated by Pope,or any Catholic bishop?

Emissary of Netherlands

[Franconicus]

Brandenburg used to be a vasall of the German Kaiser. If he wants to become King of Brandenburg, the Kaiser has to agree.
As far as i understand he is still vasall of the Polish King. If he wants to become King of Prussia, the Polish King has to agree.
Or he forces them to.

The French King wants to inform the noble sovereigns of the Christian countries as well as all the rest that he does not care at all about their fussy disputes. However, He would not be amused if these aforesaid fussy disputes slow down the pace of history and delay the next chapter.

[SwordsMaster]

Does The Spanish Emperor forget that Brandenburg is not Catholic.So why should King of Brandenburg be coronated by pope? And even if he was,why should he be coronated by Pope,when Pope only coronates Emperors. Will you also neglect King of England as not King as he is not Catholic and not coronated by Pope,or any Catholic bishop?

Emissary of Netherlands

King James of England and Scotland was King and therefore chosen by God due to the heritage of his family, while the family of the Duke of Brandemburg was not of Royal but of Ducal descent. If I were to accept that he has God's blessing, it would have to come from the only true voice of God on Earth which is His Holiness the Pope.

[Rodion Romanovich]

From Denmark:

Denmark announces that we have undertaken negotiations with Poland and Sweden to attempt to mediate. We would like to declare our neutrality in the conflict for the moment, but we are worried about the current situation in Elblag and Danzig, where merchants are now living under inhumane conditions, under constant threat, and prevented from carrying out their duties. Our fleet offers to escort merchants to and from these cities. The Danish ships have orders to remain neutral but will return fire if fired upon.

[IrishArmenian]

The Tsar poses one question:
If the only way to become a King/Emperor/Tsar is to belong to a royal line, how does one's line become royal?
I mean no disrespect to King James, a good and wise man, but his line became royal after a civil war.
Sooner or later, someone has to get their hands dirty. Will the title 'King of Prussia' be legitamised once the present King has, God forbid, passed on and left it to a son?
How then, can Wladyslaw be Tsar? I am the Tsar, through the will of God. The Boyars, obsessed with greed and other works of evil, have rebelled.
So, why am I not recognised?
With Wladyslaw as Tsar, I recommend a more Russian name. It will be good for all of us, and I might be a little more accepting.

[Franconicus]

Somehow you mixed things up.

There is only one legal King of Prussia, that is the King that is usually called King of Poland.

You call yourself csar, but you aren't.

Besides the holy rights of the king, there are also holy rights for the nobles. For example, the German Lords have the right to elect the new king. You cannot become King or Kaiser of Germany if you are not elected by them.

Same in Russia. Once you agreed that there should be a new election, you gave up your claims. After having lost the election, you were nothing but an ordinary boyar. Since you did not follow the new elected csar, you are now nothing but a rebel.

:france:
Declaration regarding the situation at the Baltic Sea
We are concerned about the development in this area. We strongly demand to respect the free sea trade. Any attack against French ships or merchants will be regarded as an attack against France and responded by the full strength of the French armed forces.

[IrishArmenian]

King of France, I have avoided conflict against you, yet you seem to seek it so viciously.
You are noble, wise and good, I have no problems with you whatsoever. Have I become the next scapegoat of the Catholic Church? I suppose baiting the Tsar must be the new fashion in Paris.
But, you have yet to acknowledge one part of my question: How does one's line become royal in your eyes?
Are they royal as soon as they become insulting, effete, religion-abusing, condescending, holier-than-thou ingrates who loose all gregarious and noble characteristics?

[Rodion Romanovich]

From Denmark:

The Danish King wishes to announce that Polish and Swedish representatives have signed a ceasefire in Copenhagen. The peace treaty contains the following terms:
- the Polish king gives up all claims for the Swedish crown
- Riga becomes Swedish
- Danzig and Elblag are handed over to the Polish
- Sweden will promise to not attack Poland again in the coming 10 years, Poland will promise the same
- Poland pays a sum of money corresponding to the cost of 2,000 mercenaries for a year

[SwordsMaster]

King of France, I have avoided conflict against you, yet you seem to seek it so viciously.
You are noble, wise and good, I have no problems with you whatsoever. Have I become the next scapegoat of the Catholic Church? I suppose baiting the Tsar must be the new fashion in Paris.
But, you have yet to acknowledge one part of my question: How does one's line become royal in your eyes?
Are they royal as soon as they become insulting, effete, religion-abusing, condescending, holier-than-thou ingrates who loose all gregarious and noble characteristics?

This, rebel, is why you are hated and pitied among your own boyars.

HMCIM Philippe I of Spain wishes to congratulate his brother, the king of Poland with the cessation of hostilities in the North. HMCIM hopes that this will allow more forces to concentrate on fighting the infidel turk.

OOC: Legio, so when can we expect the new chapter?

[Randarkmaan]

I have not yet submitted my decisions yet, also I'm wondering when Venice will respond to the emissary I sent.

[SwordsMaster]

I have not yet submitted my decisions yet, also I'm wondering when Venice will respond to the emissary I sent.

Cool. I was just curious because we've been dragging on this chapter for a few weeks...

[Rodion Romanovich]

Yeah there are a few decisions that are still missing... Since I've nowadays very little time in the middle of the weeks, the next chapter will probably come next weekend.

[Randarkmaan]

I've sent my decisions, may Allah see to it that they bring me victory!

[Incongruous]

gah!

[Incongruous]

Gah! I need the 17th century.

[IrishArmenian]

So do I.

[King Kurt]

King James has despatched messengers with his latest moves today. He apologizes for his delay, but he has been away from his computer for a few days!!

[SwordsMaster]

King James has despatched messengers with his latest moves today. He apologizes for his delay, but he has been away from his computer for a few days!!

It is well known that Protestant messenger are slower than Catholic ones! King James should consider changing to a Catholic post service!

Gah! :laugh4:

[Incongruous]

The Germans would be glad to offer their services to King James, for a price:yes:

[King Kurt]

It is a well known Anglo saxon expression that the best things are worth waiting for!!

[Kagemusha]

Messengers of Netherlands have also submitted their orders.:yes:

[Franconicus]

We need a more stringent schedule or this is going to be a real time game!:furious3:

[Incongruous]

The Kaiser unfortunatley agrees, with the French king.
Perhaps all orders must be in by the end of the first week?

[IrishArmenian]

The Tsar suggests 10 days.
However, to avoid problems, exceptions may be made if a Regent, elector or other form of leader makes an announcement of his going on holiday, that we might respect his time of rest. Holidays can last a maximum of two weeks with no contact from the leader on holiday.
Any thoughts?

[Incongruous]

seems reasonable to me, Brigand.:verycool:

[SwordsMaster]

Sounds good. HMCIM agrees

[Randarkmaan]

The Sultan agrees with the true ruler of Russia and wishes him luck in destroying the Polish yoke of repression at the same time, in the future he will have his advicers remind him to keep a stricter schedule.

[Rodion Romanovich]

I will see if I can write the next chapter tommorrow or Friday. Remember, nowadays I'm busy in the weeks so I can only write in the weekends. That means deadlines for decisions should preferably be timed to Thursdays or Fridays. Late Saturday or Sunday or Monday means the most waiting from last received decisions until next chapter.

[Marshal Murat]

The Polish Commonwealth deals with Russia, we do not oppress it! Sultan, I remind you that there is a true ruler, Wladyslaw the Orthodox, who rules Russia, not any Polish lord, but the Russian lords.

[Franconicus]

I will see if I can write the next chapter tommorrow or Friday. Remember, nowadays I'm busy in the weeks so I can only write in the weekends. That means deadlines for decisions should preferably be timed to Thursdays or Fridays. Late Saturday or Sunday or Monday means the most waiting from last received decisions until next chapter.
Maybe you can set a deadline in the next chapter.

[Marshal Murat]

Just FYI, from March 17-March 26ish, I may not be able to update or read the chapter. So, just be forewarned I might not be able to post a reply.

[Tran]

Message from a Humble Far-East Citizen:

Greetings to the European people.

I first would like to apologise for any time that will be spent and many thanks for accepting me. I am just a humble citizen from the region you have known as "Far East", long way from Europe. I have always "enjoy war" but do not think of me as warmongering citizen or even barbarian, what I meant is that I like to see how nations compete each other for supremacy with the newest invention each has created and how they put it, and the strategy they used against the enemy. As Sun Tzui often said here about war strategy, but I shall leave that for you to search.

As an ordinary citizen, just like many others European outsiders, who's looking for way to travel across Europe, I would like to know whether in this troubling times, one among many states is able to provide person like me with a map with detail of current situation in Europe. I have heard the debate and arguing between European nations about their best "postal service", and I wonder if it is the same with your Explorers and Geographics service? I know some nations already have the so-called "overseas company" and heard that some even already came here to the coast of region where I came from to trade. It is not because my lack of geographical understanding of Europe that I personally request this map, but rather I, as well most other people from outside Europes in Far-East specifically, looking for safer passage between the dangerous area and warring states in Europe.

I personally would like a map with these descriptions:
- Current boundary between all nations in Europe
- List of current major cities, ports, and landmarks, therefore we can conduct trade and exploration of Europe with less confusion and lost of orientation, benefitting both your nation and Far-East
- Places and spots of trouble, places where battle and conflicts currently taken place, and each party involved

I am only a Humble citizen, therefore not, in any way, beg, or forcefully request anyone for this "detailed map", we, or I, only want to know whether any state can provide me with this.

OOC: I know Legio has been very busy and there is a lot of heavy burden on him, so I'm not asking him. Rather, I'm testing the nation with "most Geographical knowledge" ~;)

Back to Character:
I also would like to obvious that in return I can give you nothing, but I might take this as a gift and give it to my emperor and spread words about your knowledge of current situation in the whole continent, this is due to the fact that you're able to provide me with such gift about very current condition in this very troubling times. It's a testament for your nation ingenuity and intelligence, and I believe shall take place within the chapter of history itself.

I, Humble citizen of Far-East, again want to apologise for taking much of your time and want to thanks for that too.

Sincerely,

Humble Citizen
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
=> there's a secret text on it (and report from your intelligence agency), stating that this Humble Citizen is actually representative from a kingdom in Far-East, but it's unclear, and whether to believe it or not is up to you...

[Incongruous]

Bloody Tourists!

[IrishArmenian]

What business do you have in Russia? Photoshop, we have not. What do you want with Europe? This is a truly disgusting place, in which rightful Tsars such as myself are outlawed and hunted like dogs.

[Rodion Romanovich]

CHAPTER 15 - it is now: March 1st, 1616 AD
...the decisions made will affect the events from March 1st, 1616 AD to August 1st, 1616 AD

As the Ottoman advance stops after the capture of Vienna, the Holy League forces are able to recover from their losses and secure the otherwise wide open path deeper into Austria from further Ottoman advance. The Ottomans leave a small garrison of only some 5,000 professional soldiers in the city, but also send in civilians to quickly gather a sizeable force capable of resisting siege for some time. Unfortunately, the entire ottoman army is running short of supplies and is unable to stockpile much for the Vienna garrison before beginning their retreat in order to secure their threatened supply routes. Although there's still a shortage of Holy League cavalry to harass their retreat, they are believed to be suffering heavy losses as their supply problems are finally starting to have an effect. The Holy League forces can't continue the pursuit much deeper south but instead prepare for the reconquest of Vienna, while cavalry scouts the roads to the southeast to make sure the full Ottoman army isn't returning.

The Ottoman army splits into two parts, with around 30,000 mostly cavalry are sent east to Bulgaria, and around 60,000 are sent to attack the isolated Spanish force in Greece. The Ottoman advance rapidly retakes some important positions and approach Athens. Due to the majority of the professional Ottoman cavalry being absent, the Spanish forces in Greece have an advantage in raiding and scouting, but they are vastly outnumbered, and demoralized by the sea escape route being nearly cut off by the Ottoman and Venetian fleets. The Spanish avoid open battle and try to slow down the Ottomans in sieges. The city of Athens against all odds manage to hold back a first Ottoman assault, but in a second assault falls after the surrender of the 3,000 Spanish troops and 4,000 Greek militia in the city. The Spanish main army suffers a disastrous defeat in a field battle near Corinth, losing nearly 3,000 men while however killing nearly three times as many opponents. As the garrison of Athens surrenders, the morale of the remaining Spanish troops sinks even lower and there are plenty of deserters. Many of the Spanish troops are sheltered by the Greek locals who have been sceptical about the possibility of defeating the Ottomans and were given too little time to muster any larger auxiliary forces to aid the Spanish forces, but are supportive of their actions. Around 1,000 Spanish troops are isolated on the Peloponesse while there are around 10,000 Spanish troops left near Corinth at the end of the winter.

In Bulgaria, the Ottoman counter-offensive is moderately successful. The Cossacks and Polish have been able to plunder the wide open land heavily and even though they are forced into retreat by the slightly numerally superior Ottoman force, they have caused extreme damage to this part of the Ottoman empire. They were by a small margin unable to capture Varna, but able to plunder several important neighboring cities. The Ottoman force is unable to pursue the Cossacks into their homelands, and the war gradually turns into a series of raids from both sides, with minor skirmishes and limited losses on both sides.

By March, the Ottoman garrison at Vienna is put under siege by around 28,000 Holy League forces, after their cavalry recon missions have ensured that the Ottoman main army is out of reach. The delay in the counter-offensive has allowed the Ottomans to increase their stockpiles in the city somewhat, and repair most of the defenses. They also have formidable artillery for their defense.

In the Mediterranean, the conflict between Spain and Venice continues. The Venetian forces continue advancing north along the west coast, but are unable to capture any of the garrisoned Spanish cities further north. Meanwhile, the bulk of the Spanish forces in North Italy converge on the city of Venice itself, and another force of German troops joins them in their siege of the city. The Venetian merchant fleet supplies the city, while the Venetian warships sail east to engage the Spanish warships that are engaging the Ottomans. The Spanish fleet is outnumbered and outgunned but the Venetian operations are ineffective mainly because most of the Spanish ships have retreated west by a path much further south than the route expected by the Venetian fleet trying to intercept them. They are also reinforced by a sizeable Spanish fleet pulled back from the many Spanish colonies, and are able to sail up through the Adriatic Sea virtually unopposed, completing the blockade of the city of Venice by sinking, capturing and scattering many of the Venetian merchant ships that were supplying the city. Upon hearing the news of this and after their unsuccessful offensive along the west coast, the Venetian army along with a growing Florentine army joined by Genoese militia begin marching for Venice to try and pressure the rear of the besieging force and prevent as assault. In February, the Spanish commander engages the Italian force in battle, and wins a moderate victory which secures their rear to allow them to assault the city, but the rebel activity in many Spanish-held North Italian city states is increasing rapidly. On the seas, the Venetians manage to sink 2 Spanish warships near Crete, while the Spanish warships in total have sunk 1 Venetian warship and 5 merchants while heavily damaging at least 10. The Venetian main fleet doesn't receive the news of the siege of Venice until in March. Upon receiving these news, they turn west towards the southern part of the Adriatic sea. The Ottoman fleet stays out of action during the entire winter. It is believed that it has been severely damaged by the previous battles and is trying to recover from the losses and reestablish their damaged supply lines, which could possibly still be affecting the Ottoman operations in Greece and Bulgaria.

In Cyprus, the operations come to an end. The Spanish give control over the island to the Knights of St John who took part in the conquest. They are however too few to rule the island without local support from the Greek population. The Spanish command fears the island may be lost by overly zealous Catholic policies and keeps a sizeable Spanish garrison on the island to continue to survey the situation. While the retreat of the Spanish fleet has left them stranded, they are capable of supplying thanks to the support from the local population.

The war between Sweden and Poland ends, possibly as a result of the Danish mediation attempts. Riga remains Swedish while the other cities are handed back to Polish control. Poland pays a small sum of money to Sweden.

Meanwhile to the east, the civil war in Russia continues. Wladyslaw redirects his forces from the western offensive to the east. Vassili is able to keep control over Novgorod and conquer Pskov after receiving reinforcements of another 3,000 men while Wladyslaw is pulling back. To the east, Wladyslaw's and Vassili's forces meet near Jarovslavl, where almost 8,000 of Wladyslaw's men after a short siege manage to defeat a garrison of 2,000 men left in the city by Vassili. Wladyslaw simultaneously carries out new raids and reconnaissance missions east of Moscow, this time closer to Nizny Novgorod. Both sides are beginning to losing support from the population over the continuous resultless fighting with heavy casualties, and many boyars are discussing whether to consider a third option. Wladyslaw manages to gain support for extending the Russian forces in his army to 10,000 infantry in the coming year.

In France, the revolting garrison in Marseille is defeated after a bloody assault in late autumn. There are also operations in the area near Orléans. Several columns are ambushed by rebels but the French army casualties are moderate. As the garrison of Marseille surrenders and rebel forces outside the city end their activities, much of the French army there reinforces the campaign at Orléans. The city surrenders without siege in December and doesn't need to be besieged, but there is rebel activity outside it, which eventually subsides. The revolt is thereby largely over, and many of the troops pull back to their original positions in February. The arrested Marseille garrison commander is brought to Paris. The prisoners from Vienna arrive in France and are offered positions within the French army, around 1,500 accept the offer, while the other troops are kept captured until the end of the Ottoman war. The last French troops left the HRE in September, after receiving the last portion of the tribute from the war. The tribute is being handed out to the loyal of the French nobles.

At Madagascar, French ships demand the Dutch colonists to leave the island. When they refuse, the French ships blockade the harbor. The Dutch naval batteries, which haven't been completed yet, are unable to cause any damage to the French ships or lift the blockade alone.

Meanwhile, Spanish vessels spot a huge fleet carrying English, Dutch and Danish flags off the coast of Portugal. The sightings are reported to the harbors in Portugal in December, and the local authorities immediately conclude that such a large force can only be intended for war, and they order the Spanish forces in the coastal cities of Portugal to increase their readiness and oversee their weapons, batteries and supplies in preparation for defense. However the Protestant Coalition fleet directs its strike towards Gibraltar, where the fleet lands nearly 15,000 men supported by a massive naval bombardment that covers the entire rock in gunpowder smoke. The Spanish fortifications manage to hold out for several days, and Spanish coastal batteries are able to severely damage 5 of the warships and several of the troop carriers with red-hot shots, but the fortress is eventually compelled to surrender before any Spanish land reinforcements could arrive, and even if they had, the massive naval bombardment would have been difficult to resist much longer. 27 English, 18 Dutch and 13 Danish warships - a total of 58 ships - take part in the operation, and about the same number of merchants carries troops and supplies. They lose around 600 men (both sailors and ground troops), and 1 Danish warship. The fleet seems to have arrived too late to prevent the majority of Spanish fleet reinforcements for the campaign against Venice from entering the Mediterranean, but they have effectively cut off the passage of Spanish ships through the narrows, at least for as long as the fleet remains in its blocking position at Gibraltar. Fire from the Spanish coastal batteries south of the narrows are unable to reach to the Protestant fleet.

Meanwhile, Danish and Dutch ships engage Spanish ships in the East Indies. The Dutch fleet begin an invasion of the Philippines from Dutch controlled colonies in the island group supported by warships, but their progress is slow due to a slight shortage of ground forces. Spanish naval batteries inflict damage on 2 of the 5 Dutch warships with red-hot shot. English and Dutch ships intercept several smaller Spanish forces in the western half of the Indian Ocean, and in a series of engagements the Protestant Coalition lose 2 warships and 2 merchants while the Spanish lose 4 galleons and 3 merchants. The Spanish have around 12 warships in the East Indies region, with another 18 controlled by the Spanish EIC. The Dutch are believed to have around 10, with around 20 controlled by the Dutch EIC. The Danish are believed to have 3 warships attached to the Dutch forces, and the English who have mostly stayed out of battle with Spanish forces could have up to 8 warships. In the Americas, the Spanish fleet loses 2 merchants to a raid, but no warships are lost. Both the Spanish and Protestant Coalition warships in the Americas stay on the defensive.

In the Holy Roman Empire, the revolt continues. The Catholic League sends another 5,000 men while the Emperor sends another 10,000 to counter the increasing size of the Protestant Union force. In a battle near Anhalt, Tilly tries to separate the Protestant forces of the eastern wing from those of the western wing, but fails to do so and faces both in a battle near Anhalt. The Catholic 21,000 man large force however achieves a clear victory against the 14,000 Protestants before winter, and manage to take control over most of Anhalt, where they set up camp for the winter, but Magdeburg remains in Protestant hands. The Protestant force try to rally more reinforcements and mercenaries during the winter, especially from the Protestant north, which have so far not taken part in the revolt. In order to garrison the captured cities the Catholic force has been reduced to 19,000 men as it reaches Magdeburg in March after beginning operations again, while the Protestants have around 14,000 men. Meanwhile, Wallenstein continues the recruitment of an Imperial army, adding around 5,000 more troops to the strength of the Kaiser. However, these troops are controversial because they are payed salaries in the form of a right to pillage rather than normal wages. The Emperor announces that the land captured from the rebels should be made into a new Duchy called "the free land", controlled by the Emperor on the high level, and on the lower level be distributed between Tilly, Wallenstein, and retired soldiers who have served in the Imperial army. The suggestion is met by fierce protests not only from Protestants, but also from Catholic kurfürsts, who are against this form of centralization. The Catholic League kurfürsts are also disappointed that the Emperor would try to claim control over the land that they were expecting to receive in return for their assistance.



BRANDENBURG

1. the HRE revolt
a. ally yourself with the Protestants and send 5,000 men or more to Magdeburg to prevent it from being captured
b. do nothing
c. try to mediate between the Catholic League and the Protestant Union, and unite them against the Emperor's attempts of centralization
d. demand that the Catholic League and the Emperor beforehand announce what their plans are in the case that they would be successful in conquering the land of all the revolting kurfürsts


ENGLAND

1. the Spanish war. What to do next? How distribute the ships between the different regions, and what orders are they to be given?


FRANCE

1. reactions after the revolt. Is there anything you wish to do now to secure yourself against more revolts? What terms and ideologies of the rebels will be accepted, and what will be forbidden? What will be done with the captured commander?

2. how proceed at Madagascar?
a. conquer the colony
b. withdraw
c. continue the blockade as a provocation, hoping to make the Dutch attack. This could give you a weak casus belli that propaganda could make stronger, in case you wish to attack the Netherlands

3. the Protestant Coalition war against Spain?
a. intervene on the Spanish side, this could unite the French, and calm down the Catholics. Intervention now is necessary, since France is likely to become their next target
b. intervene on the Spanish side, by a carefully planned surprise operation without any prior declaration of war. You know that most of the Dutch and English ships are currently at Gibraltar, with probably less than 15 warships in the English Channel, and around 20 in the Baltic. Less than 10-15 are in the Americas. Around 30 are in the East Indies, with another 20 or so controlled by the Dutch EIC, in case they would get the idea to join the war.
c. stick to condemning the war
d. do nothing
e. join the war on the Protestant Coalition side. This could make the Catholic unrest grow even larger, though
f. try to mediate, because French trade in the East Indies and the Mediterranean is suffering from the unsafe conditions

4. French army reforms?
a. replace all losses etc. to meet the previous plan you made a table over (these losses could be replaced in less than a year) + the extra colonial troops (these are already trained) + all other regiments suggested. Also, how large will the suggested Legion Etrange be, and how will its training, standards and the wage of the soldiers be?
b. replace all losses but also increase the army to around 100,000 men + national guard, and the navy to 50 warships. Please provide a list of which different troops types there will be and which to put priority on getting ready quickly, and I can tell how long it will take. The economical burden of this army would be large, but your economy is very strong at the moment and would still allow a surplus corresponding to the cost of 5,000 mercenaries per year even with the current level of warfare and construction projects
c. aim for an army of 150,000 men + national guard and a navy of 70 warships. This would be the largest army and navy in Europe. It would mean no surplus in the annual income
d. aim for a navy of 70 warships or more, while keeping the army at a strength of around 80,000 men for now. This would mean taking a path towards more navally oriented military


HRE and AUSTRIA

1. the Catholic League is planning to continue the operations against the Protestant union revolt by a secondary offensive in which they will send 10,000 men to attack the weakened Württemberg garrisons. The other offensive will continue by attempting to capture Magdeburg before the Protestants can cut off the southern supply lines, then drive southwest into Hesse-Kassel. If the capture of Magdeburg fails, they will retreat south, and consolidate their gains while attacking Hesse from the east or southeast.
a. do nothing
b. send in 5,000 reinforcements to the southern attack
c. send in 5,000 reinforcements to the northern attack
d. send in 5,000 reinforcements to both attacks

2. the Catholic League aren't intending to accept your proposal for the land. On the contrary, they are planning to claim half of Bayreuth and Württemberg for the Catholic League, and divide it by its kurfürsts, while leaving the remainder in the hands of their current kurfürsts. They intend to defeat the rebels in the remaining cities by eliminating their field armies until they withdraw their claims for independence, and if that doesn't work they will occupy these remaining duchies until they can find loyal kurfürsts with strong enough legal claims to the regions to be able to replace the previous kurfürsts. What the Catholic League will do if their demands aren't accepted is unclear, and if they feel threatened by the growing Imperial army they may even attempt to dissolve it
a. accept their suggestion
b. try to make a compromise, in order that some land will be available to reward Tilly, Wallenstein and soldiers with. However these rewards were intended to give them low-level control over estates, so it isn't necessarily in conflict with the Catholic League demands. However, they are against the idea of taking land under the Emperor's control indefinitely
c. do something else, suggest what

3. Vienna
a. let Spinola decide again
b. assault the city before the Ottomans come back. This can't be combined with 1b, 1c or 1d
c. siege the city. This can't be combined with 1d

4. Venice
a. assault the city. Decide what to do after it is captured. Will the HRE troops go home or will they continue fighting the Venetian and Florentine troops in the region etc?
b. continue siege, and hope to force the Venetian forces outside the cities to battle. They have inferior numbers and would most likely suffer defeat, unless the time they are given by a slow siege would allow them to recruit more men
c. withdraw HRE support
d. send more HRE support

5. coronation. The Pope has reluctantly agreed to coronate you as "Holy Roman Emperor" in Rome in return for an apology for the previous denouncing of the Pope and trying to remove church taxes in the Empire. He will however not coronate you as any of the other titles you suggested because "it lies outside the sphere of influence of the Papacy to assign these earthenly titles"
a. accept the proposal
b. decline it
c. suggest something else


NETHERLANDS

1. the Spanish war. What to do next? How distribute the ships between regions, and what orders are they to be given?

2. the French blockade at Madagascar
a. dispatch some 6-7 warships to lift the blockade and defeat the French blockading fleet. Proceed and declare war, specify what plans to follow afterwards
b. dispatch some 6-7 warships to lift the blockade and sink the French blockading fleet. Warn the French that if they repeat these provocations there will be war
c. abandon Madagascar for now. The French have said they will escort your colonists (hopefully with their equipment etc.) to the Dutch colony in South Africa


OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. Greece, Balkans, Vienna, Bulgaria
a. push forward to Corinth to complete the campaign. Try to capture the Spanish remaining forces, but don't pursue them for more than two months. Then redirect the slightly below 60,000 men towards Vienna again to prevent it from being lost again
b. keep 30,000 men in Greece to defeat the last Spanish forces, while sending 30,000 more to Bulgaria
c. retreat the forces from Bulgaria to join up with the forces from Greece and have them march for Vienna again to secure the city by fighting the besieging force, possibly pursuing it deeper into Europe as well if it retreats

2. fleet
a. send Ottoman support to Venice, even if you mostly have galleys
b. order the fleet to prioritize supplying the forces in Greece, Bulgaria and at Vienna


POLAND

1. Russia
a. send troops to assist Wladyslaw for an operation to conquer Nizny Novgorod. Around 10,000-15,000 high-quality troops would be able to capture it in between 6 months and 2 years of siege with Vassili's current strength
b. send troops to assist him by trying to destroy Vassili's forces at Pskov, Novgorod and Tver. Around 6,000-12,000 high-quality troops could manage to do this with Vassili's current strength in that area
c. don't do anything

2. Bulgaria
a. send 10,000 more troops to be able to hopefully defeat a large Ottoman cavalry force, losses which could be critical to them if they want to be able to keep control over Vienna and hold back the Holy League force there
b. withdraw the less than 5,000 Polish troops in the area. The Cossacks will be able to defend themselves against any Ottoman counter-offensive. Then use these troops for something else

3. Vienna
a. suggest an assault before the Ottoman main army comes back
b. suggest siege until the Ottomans are provoked into another field battle. Use extensive recon to make sure battle can be avoided if against superior Ottoman forces, otherwise engage them. Try to get all participants in the Holy League to send in more troops to be able to gather maybe 60,000 men.
c. suggest continued siege, but don't consider it important to take the city, but rather withdraw and defend the rest of Austria if the Ottomans arrive with superior force again
d. withdraw Polish support from Vienna to use the troops somewhere else
e. let Spinola decide

4. what should Wladyslaw do next?
a. coordinate with Polish assistance, specify how
b. let him decide (probably means smaller raids to the east, while defending Yaroslavl and the cities captured to the west)
c. something else, specify


RUSSIA

1. what to do next, military plans?


SPAIN

1. plans for the war with Netherlands, England, Denmark?

2. plans at Vienna?

3. plans in Greece?
a. try to escape along the Adriatic Sea coast. The voyage would be difficult and dangerous, but could prevent a disastrous capture of the majority of the Spanish forces in Greece. This allows your fleet in the Adriatic sea to immediately try to escape being trapped by the Venetian fleet
b. try to navally extract them somewhere on the west coast near Corinth. Land them in southern Italy or at Venice. Landing them at Venice means a risk of trapping your fleet in the Adriatic sea as the Venetian ships come. Landing them in southern Italy puts them further away from any place where they are useful immediately, but may still allow your fleet to escape being trapped in the Adriatic sea by the Venetian fleet
c. try to hold Corinth with the entire Spanish force. This will make Ottoman assault difficult, but if you can't come back with naval supplies and possibly reinforcements too, the entire force would be lost by capture or death

4. Venice
a. assault right away, it could be costly but now the Venetian fleet isn't present to support the city and the HRE allied troops are present. The downside is the Venetian-Florentine force at your rear, but it's too small to be able to stop the assault. If the first assault fails, make another attempt later. The city must fall
b. continue the siege. Try to escape the Adriatic Sea with your fleet there, then have it meet the naval reinforcements that are on their way towards the southern tip of Italy. Once the forces have joined, sail into the Adriatic Sea again with a force that is slightly superior to the Venetian, and engage them in battle. Hopefully the battle will give Spanish naval superiority and allow a renewed blockade of the city of Venice. Then, in about 1-3 years from now, the city will have been brought to starvation and fall without assault
c. attempt to engage the Florentine and Venetian forces outside while maintaining siege with minimum force. Make sure they are defeated, then capture Venice by assault, hopefully before May.
d. withdraw from Venice, and try to secure Florence again first
e. try to make peace with Venice


SWEDEN

1. military plans?

2. any construction plans and/or military reforms following the peace?


VENICE

1. how will your campaign in Northern Italy continue?

2. naval campaign
a. initially try to trap the Spanish fleet that is currently in the Adriatic Sea. Engage it in battle and make sure it is defeated before the reinforcements arrive. After this, assess their strength while avoiding battle, staying in the eastern Mediterranean if needed, then if possible to engage them go west to do so
b. as a, but regardless of what happens after the initial attempt at defeating their force in the Adriatic sea, try to lift the blockade of Venice at all costs
c. ignore the Spanish force in the Adriatic Sea, and try to engage their reinforcements instead. Sail up the west coast and bombard Genoa and other Spanish-held cities to attempt to support your land army in taking them from the quite strong garrisons. Taking the west coast cities could make the Spanish supply situation more difficult, and make them withdraw from Venice

3. hiring more mercenaries? There are around 1,000 more infantry mercenaries available for hire in Italy at the moment, while mercenaries from elsewhere would be difficult to move to the region since the Spanish blockade most approaches. You could still hire some though, and hope to be able to transport them to Italy if an opening is somehow created

[Rodion Romanovich]

New chapter is up... I hope I didn't forget anything!

Deadline: all decisions should be sent in by next Friday

[Kagemusha]

Thanks Legio!I guess a storm has risen.:2thumbsup:

[Lord Winter]

It has gone long enough. The rebels in Russia have defied the laws of christ and russia for to long. It must be put to a stop. Thus Sweden issues an Ultimine to the false tsar Wladyslaw. Surrender now or face war.

[Rodion Romanovich]

From Denmark:

Denmark are curious about the Swedish statement of intervention in Russia. It would be against the peace treaty with Poland, since an attack on an ally of Poland would inevitably result in Polish intervention, and thereby a renewed conflict between Sweden and Poland. Denmark declares her neutrality in the conflict in Russia, but will not be able to remain inactive in a renewed war between Sweden and Poland, if Sweden goes to war with Poland again, or otherwise violates the peace treaty.

[Kagemusha]

Speach of the Stadtholder in Netherlands Parliament.

Gentlemen,

The moment of truth has come upon us. A mighty struggle between the Spanish Empire and the coalition of Netherlands,England and Denmark has started. No longer will we look from the side,while the Spanish take control of all resources from the known world. No longer we will stand by their attacks on others on a whim. In this moment of truth,i urge all my Countrymen to stand united,behind our flags. As the chairman of East and West India companies,i will give permission for them to join their forces on the war.Which will no doubt determine the destiny of Europe. I will also release war obligations for the population of Netherlands to buy. With these obligations you can support our great struggle and also gain a share of the profits from this war.
In this historical moment,no man can stand idle.We need ships and soldiers to fight this war and Cannons and hand wepons to supply our troops. All production should be forced out,but still with the quality that we people of Netherlands can only match. Mark my words.Victory or Death! Becouse we can not expect any mercy from the Spanish as we know from the past. Now arms and with the blessing of God we will prevail and be victorius!

Maurice of Nassau,Stadtholder of the Republic of Netherlands

[IrishArmenian]

The Tsar supports the Protestant Coalition and seeks to know why the Spanish fired upon the Protestant ships.

[Marshal Murat]

King Sigismund III
We in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth are also curious as to Sweden's need to intervene in Russia. If there was a threat to our ally the Rus, then we are compelled to intervene.
As such we ask that the Swedes reconsider their actions to prevent a northern war that would range in terrible magnitude.

[Incongruous]

The German Kaiser.

We ask the Catholic league leaders to reconsider their position on such grievences which they percieve done upon them, which may lead to such actions contrary to the Empires will.

The lands conquered, a third of which shall be now graced upn to them until such time they are declared otherwise through due legal process and judgement through a legitimate source of government. The Two thirds otherwise being now given to Wallenstien and Tilly, and the most part to all men whom now sign up for the Imperial Army.

We also call for the convening of the new Parliament, exclusive to the upper house, we ask it to be called in some place deemed fit by the League.

We also announce our intention to a proclomation against the title of Holy Roman Emperor.

The Emperor, as is his right shall now be known only as in Imperial rights as the Kaiser of Germany. This does affect only positions in which are in some form associated with the Imperial title, not any other.

Signed.

Ferdinand von Hapsburg
Kaiser of Germany.

[Franconicus]

:france:
Announcement:

We, the King of France, Navarre and the French possessions all over the world are concerned about the latest increase of violence and disorder.

We ask the English, Dutch and Danish coalition to explain their reasons for starting another war. We had been thinking that there is already enough war!

We ask all nations to respect the free sea trade!

:france:
We declare, that giving maps or other information about geography to a foreign person is high treason!

:france:
To all those in abroad which want to benefit of the French wealth and superiority in culture and economy:

Please contact the local agent of one of our trade companies. He can give you information about our portfolio and the wishes of our King. He is authorized to make trade agreements. The French fleet will transport the goods!

[Kagemusha]

To France from Netherlands:

" We didnt start this war. We joined the ongoing war.As you know Venice is our ally and since Spain is at war with her,we cant just stand by while our allies are butchered. I think Denmark and England can speak from their selves,but our opinion is that as allies of ours they share the same casus belli."

Embassador of Netherlands in Paris

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We are also at war with Venice, are you implying that we to are at war with you? We have troops in the area quite willing to fight Protestants, we are informed they are the most zealous of Catholics.

[Kagemusha]

Is that a threat Emperor? This war is not about Religion.Some of us can war becouse of rational reasons also.

Messenger of Netherlands

[King Kurt]

Legio - can I confirm something - is it all replies to you by 23 of March or 30 of March?

Thanks

[Lord Winter]

To the king of poland, The Swedish do not reconignize the current government in Russia, how can the russians, a people who are almost obsessive about obey the god appointed Csar elect this polish puppet. Sweden will not invade but feels she must express her deep concern. Vassi is an ally and any polish aid to russia will be treated as an violation of the treaty.

On the Spanish conflict:
For now the Kingdom of Sweden declares itself nutruel in this conflict and will treat any attack on her merchents as an act of war. Furthermore if the germen kasier feels obligated to attack the other collotion members sweden will interveen.

King Gustav Adolf II

[Incongruous]

German Government.

We declare neutrality in light of Hollands recent message to us. As long as the Empire is not interfered with we shall not fight.

[Incongruous]

Is that a threat Emperor? This war is not about Religion.Some of us can war becouse of rational reasons also.

Messenger of Netherlands
The Kaiser
This new war of you'res sems highy irrational, unjust and cowardly.

We hope that you may consider peace?

[IrishArmenian]

I do not agree, Emperor. They were fired upon by the Spanish. Unless the Spanish were acting without orders, in which case the Spanish should hand over those responsible for punishment by the offended nations, this is a declaration of war by Spain upon the Protestant Coalition.

[Marshal Murat]

Swedish King how would the aid of the rightful Czar be a violation of any treaty I have signed with you?

I have seen fit to recognize a man who was elected by his people, not some rebel who hopes to take the throne.

I am also deeply concerned, and ask that the Swedes also not involve themselves from henceforth in the conflict in Russia.

[Warluster]

From The king of Brandenburg/ Duke of Prussia

In the current ar between the protestants and Spain, I have my own mind made up.

Through the days of time, I see Spain has not treated Brandenburg with a good quality effort, and they ahve prevented many things. While my fellow protestant Allies have helped me during wars, treated me with respect.

So I support the Netherlands,England and Denmark.

And I shall help in any way, if that is sending troops. SO be it.

[Franconicus]

:france:
We doom the act of England and its allies. This is not the way Christian noblemen should act. If you have differences with Spain, that you think cannot be settled the diplomatic way, then you should frankly declare war to settle the differences. And of course it is shocking to attack a Christian realm while it is fighting against heathens. This makes you an ally of the nonbelievers, doesn't it?

[Warluster]

No, as we are Protestant for one, and we are not allied wiht the Turkish for second, and we are fighting elsewhere, with diffrent reasons, and it has nothing at all to do with the war between the Papal States and its allies and the Turkish and its allies.

[Franconicus]

Nevertheless, you will have to explain your subjects why you cannot wait with your war until the Spaniards ended the war with the Ottomanians.

To me it does not seem to be very respectable behavior for a Christian souvereign.

[Kagemusha]

Message from Netherlands to France.

"Do you deny that we had casus belli against Spain? Did Spain declare war to Northern Italians,when they started conquering the lands in Italy? We dont recall you condemning that. As Brandenburg stated,this war is separate from the war that Kaiser and Spain are waging against Ottomans. Kaiser aknowledges that,why doesnt France?"

Messenger of Netherlands

[Franconicus]

The Kaiser is an independant souvereign, and so is the King of France.

Spain invaded Genoa, not Venice. Venice attacked Spain.

Every souvereign has the right to settle differences by war, let's say as an ordeal. I do not mind that. However, a nobleman informs the opponent, before he attacks. Well, not all are nobleman.

What is new is the idea to attack another country while it is fighting unbelievers. You should have waited until that war is over.

[SwordsMaster]

Message from Netherlands to France.

"Do you deny that we had casus belli against Spain? Did Spain declare war to Northern Italians,when they started conquering the lands in Italy? We dont recall you condemning that. As Brandenburg stated,this war is separate from the war that Kaiser and Spain are waging against Ottomans. Kaiser aknowledges that,why doesnt France?"

Messenger of Netherlands

Is this how the benevolence of HMCIM is repayed? His willingness to end the conflict with the Netherlands by giving up His claims on the Southern Provinces is repayed with treachery. The men that have forsaken God and the Catholic cause have also, it seems, forsaken honour!

Have you considered what you have doomed Europe to? With 30000 men now recalled from Vienna, the Ottoman will roll over Europe. Who will you go for defence to? England? This nation of pirates and backstabbers will not shed a drop of blood for the True Faith and any other cause except for their own greed.

And Denmark, why did you get involved in this? What have you to gain? Spain never threatened your position, and even an advantageous trading agreement was reached. You have much to lose though.

England! King James apparently has forgotten the lessons of the previous war. Cork will be a bloodbath. For each Catholic that is killed, King James will have to pay with ten Protestants. Your force will be destroyed in the streets.

France, Germany, and Poland! As usual, we are the only true defenders of out Holy Religion. We must resist together now more than ever! God will smile to those who defend the Holy Church!

HMCIM thanks His allies and brothers for the help in this struggle.

[Kagemusha]

Maybe his Catholic Majesty,Emperor of Spain, should have thought twice before first taking the colony of the Denmark and then going to war against our allies. Maybe he should think, why it is he who is at war with every second country in Europe? Or maybe all these countries are just malice and wrong doers, while his Imperial Majesty is always right and benevolent.

Emabassador of Netherlands

[Kagemusha]

To France

"Did the Emperor of Spain declare war before he invaded Genoa? As we recall,he didnt. Did the Emperor of Spain declare war,before annexing Denmarks Colony? As we recall he didnt. The Protestant Coalition is just giving the Emperor back his own medicine. Like we have stated before, we have no issues with France,Germany or Poland. Our issues are with Spain.

Embassador of Netherlands

[Randarkmaan]

To the Netherlands, England and their allies:

Even though your war may prove useful us, we will have to question your honour in this dastardly move. As many before me have said, a man of noble bearing informs his enemy of his intentions before going out to cause harm. Where is the honour in stabbing a man in the back who is already locked in combat?

[Kagemusha]

To Sultan.

"As we sayed to France.Where was Spanish Emperors honour,when he invaded Genoa and annexed Denmark´s Colony.We didnt hear any uproar from others back then?"

Messenger of Netherlands

[Randarkmaan]

To Sultan.

"As we sayed to France.Where was Spanish Emperors honour,when he invaded Genoa and annexed Denmark´s Colony.We didnt hear any uproar from others back then?"

Messenger of Netherlands

The Emperor of Spain may be without honour, but that is no reason for you to forsake your honour!

[Kagemusha]

To Sultan.

"You are right that one should keep their honour.But in this world where power hungry Emperor´s roam around swallowing whole countries like appetizers, small countries have to do what they can in order to survive. We just simply couldnt wait for the day,when the Spanish testudos would arrive into our capitals without further notice."

[Randarkmaan]

Your actions may have saved you in this life, but they will damn you to eternal damnation in the life after, may Allah have mercy on your soul.

[Kagemusha]

To Sultan

"If my soul is to burn in hell for eternity in order to save Netherlands and get rid of Spanish tyranny that is endangering the whole world. Then it is the prize im willing to pay."

Stadtholder of Netherlands

[Franconicus]

Dark times when We have to see that the sultan is acting like a nobleman while a Christian leader forgets his honor and is talking heretic words :embarassed: .

[Kagemusha]

To France

"I think in the end.God will show us,who were righteous and who not.We all are sinners.Some of us can also admit that we are."

[SwordsMaster]

Maybe his Catholic Majesty,Emperor of Spain, should have thought twice before first taking the colony of the Denmark and then going to war against our allies. Maybe he should think, why it is he who is at war with every second country in Europe? Or maybe all these countries are just malice and wrong doers, while his Imperial Majesty is always right and benevolent.

Emabassador of Netherlands

HMCIM did not attack Venice, it was Venice who attacked without warning. Our struggle with Genoa was of a private and personal nature, derived from claims and family rights wrongly inherited.

The issue with the Danish colony was settled with the Danish government and is not of the business of the Stadtholder. Apparently the words of the Danish King say one thing, and his actions speak the opposite. HMCIM believed that an agreeable treaty was reached.

The only war Spain has been moved into was the war against the Ottoman where, as a Habsburg, HMCIM decided it was his rightful duty to come to the aid of his brother the Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire.

So which wars are you talking about, Stadtholder?



Even though your war may prove useful us, we will have to question your honour in this dastardly move. As many before me have said, a man of noble bearing informs his enemy of his intentions before going out to cause harm. Where is the honour in stabbing a man in the back who is already locked in combat?

You are an honourable and worthy enemy, Sultan. I will pray to God that he saves your soul even though we are enemies now. I do hope that when this war is resolved we can be friends again.

[Kagemusha]

To Spain

"How is a war a private thing? You attacked both Genoa and Denmarks colony,without proclamation of war. What you forced to either of them afterwards will not chance that fact."

[SwordsMaster]

To Spain

"How is a war a private thing? You attacked both Genoa and Denmarks colony,without proclamation of war. What you forced to either of them afterwards will not chance that fact."

The issue of the Danish colony was resolved amiably with the King of Denmark, and it is not of Dutch business. No declaration of war was made because it was not an action of war but merely a misunderstanding.

The war in Genoa was a matter of family claims, which, again the Netherlands has nothing to do with. The Stadtholder should learn to mind his own business.

If envy is so strong in his soul, maybe HMCIM should reconsider and take back the Southern Provinces.

[Kagemusha]

Message to Spain

"His Majesty can threaten us all he wants.Your troops can do us nothing that they havent already done before when they ravaged Netherlands. If i remember that ended in your defeat. Our coalition is ready to strike you down. You can twist issues as much as you want, now its time to face the consequences of your earlier actions. We are waiting for you at Gibraltar. Please come visit us."

Messenger of Netherlands

[SwordsMaster]

Message to Spain

"His Majesty can threaten us all he wants.Your troops can do us nothing that they havent already done before when they ravaged Netherlands. If i remember that ended in your defeat. Our coalition is ready to strike you down. You can twist issues as much as you want, now its time to face the consequences of your earlier actions. We are waiting for you at Gibraltar. Please come visit us."

Messenger of Netherlands

If We remember correctly, we sold you the Netherlands. HMCIM has already taken measures to ensure that both your fleet and your landing party is destroyed.

What have you to gain in this war, Stadtholder? England wants her pride back, but Denmark and the Netherlands have no reason not to wish peace with Spain. Except maybe satisfy his own greed and envy. The very qualities he is accusing us to have.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Legio - can I confirm something - is it all replies to you by 23 of March or 30 of March?

Thanks
It's 23, I hope that's not too tight

[Rodion Romanovich]

From Denmark:

The Danish king encourages France to join the war against Spanish hegemonia at the sea, which attempts to prevent free trade between honest merchants. Denmark is not the only country that has been a victim of the ruthless Spanish colonial policies, with an unprovoked attack on the Danish colony in West Africa without prior declaration of war, and with a humilation in response to our attempts to receive honest compensation for the provokation. Those are the manners of armed robbers and highwaymen, not of noble men.

[SwordsMaster]

From Denmark:

The Danish king encourages France to join the war against Spanish hegemonia at the sea, which attempts to prevent free trade between honest merchants. Denmark is not the only country that has been a victim of the ruthless Spanish colonial policies, with an unprovoked attack on the Danish colony in West Africa without prior declaration of war, and with a humilation in response to our attempts to receive honest compensation for the provokation. Those are the manners of armed robbers and highwaymen, not of noble men.

Hadn't we settled that issue? HMCIM remembers that a peaceful resolution was achieved. Is a peaceful resolution not more desirable than a violent one?

[King Kurt]

Statement from the court of King James

"The King views all these self righteous statements about right and honour in association with war with a detached grim humour. War is terrible, savage and evil - but it is a vital component in the extension of a nation's will. One may try to dress it up with false pretensions of honour and chiviraly, but you can't change its base heart. You can put a pig in a dress to make it attractive, but it is still a pig.
We reached what we thought was an honourable peace with Spain some years ago. Since then, all attempts by us to expand and work together have been rebuffed by the Spainish as if our honourable peace was a sign of weakness. To add insult to injury, their Popish puppet makes a public statement dividing the new world between Spain and France, ignoring the stirling work of the brave pioneers of England, Holland and Denmark in opening up these new lands and spreading the word of God. It has been our oft stated view that there is plenty of opportunity for everybody. The view of Spain is that they want it all for themselves. Our actions are to right these wrongs and return the world to one of free trade and the spread of our European civilisation to the savages of the new world.
England acknowledges the threat of the Turk - indeed we dispatched ships to assist the Spainish in their fight. However, it has become increasingly obvious that the shield of our peace with Spain has been used to attack Genoa and for an attempt to create an empire in the Balkans. If the troops used in the attack on Greece and Cyprus had been used to support Vienna perhaps a different outcome may have been achieved. Instead Spain used the gallant defenders of Vienna as a diversion for a vainglorius attempt to carve out an ill-considered Balkan empire.
Finally we make 2 statements:
1) Our fight is with Spain alone. The straights of Gibralter are closed to her ships alone and those who would provide succour to her war mongering. They remain open and in our protection to all other nations.
2) In light of the existance of the state of war between us, I issue a universial letter of marque to all indepentent sailors and freebooters who wish to pursue privateering against the merchant shipping of Spain. Anybody who oversteps this command to attack other nation's shipping will be hunted down by ships of the Royal Navy.

God save the King

King James the First of England and Sixth of Scotland

[SwordsMaster]

While I am willing to cross my sword with King James, I wish to let him know that a declaration of war is in order among civilised men before hostilities are started.

What would King James say to a proposal of resolving this war in personal duel? This would save us the unnecessary bloodshed.

On a different subject, Spain has no intention of ruling over the balkan territories. HMCIM has no wish of ruling over non Catholics and the incursion into Greece was an attempt to limit the Ottoman influence rather than expanding the Spanish one.

Proof of this, is that the island of Cyprus has been placed under the control of the Knights of Malta and not incorporated into the Empire.

Of course the King of England has his own reasons for acting the way he does, and now our arms will decide the outcome.

HMCIM declares:

That it is the duty of every catholic to fight the threat that the Protestant coalition poses HMCIM issues a universial letter of marque to all indepentent captains and merchants of every nation who wish to pursue privateering against the merchant shipping of England, Denmark, Venice, the Ottoman Empire and Netherlands. God will protect those who fight in His name.

HMCIM will personally purchase the vessels captured from the enemies of Spain.

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands joins England in these articlas:

1) Our fight is with Spain alone. The straights of Gibralter are closed to her ships alone and those who would provide succour to her war mongering. They remain open and in our protection to all other nations.
2) In light of the existance of the state of war between us, I issue a universial letter of marque to all indepentent sailors and freebooters who wish to pursue privateering against the merchant shipping of Spain. Anybody who oversteps this command to attack other nation's shipping will be hunted down by ships of the Dutch Navy.

Stadtholder of Netherlands

[Randarkmaan]

Proof of this, is that the island of Cyprus has been placed under the control of the Knights of Malta and not incorporated into the Empire.

We would prefer not to see this happen, as the Knights of Malta are nought but fanatic pirates. I propose we both lay down our claim to the island and see if the Cypriots can govern themselves. We could also agree to allow a naval extraction of the soldiers in Greece if you so wish, that is if you value their lives. They may kill their share of Ottoman soldiers, I recognize the bravery of the Spanish soldiers which is far superior to the cowardly germans and the raiding Polish, but if you leave them in Greece you have doomed them to death, brave men are not a commodity to be wasted.

[SwordsMaster]

We would prefer not to see this happen, as the Knights of Malta are nought but fanatic pirates. I propose we both lay down our claim to the island and see if the Cypriots can govern themselves. We could also agree to allow a naval extraction of the soldiers in Greece if you so wish, that is if you value their lives. They may kill their share of Ottoman soldiers, I recognize the bravery of the Spanish soldiers which is far superior to the cowardly germans and the raiding Polish, but if you leave them in Greece you have doomed them to death, brave men are not a commodity to be wasted.

Maybe the Sultan would discuss a peace treaty? If so, his messengers will be allowed through the Catholic lines to hold talks with the Emperors' embassadors.

[Randarkmaan]

Maybe the Sultan would discuss a peace treaty? If so, his messengers will be allowed through the Catholic lines to hold talks with the Emperors' embassadors.

It is a possibility which I do not exclude.

[Incongruous]

The Kaiser.

It is with a heavy heart that I put this to paper my fellow rulers. Germany is already so raveged as to make me weep nigh on end. But, unless some peaceful arrangment can be made I must declare my support for Spain whom did come to us in our time of need.


The Kaiser will come to talk with the Sultan perhaps next turn, when Germany is peaceful again.

[Marshal Murat]

Oh Sultan, we are so sorry that you think we raiders and not warriors.

We to will carry on the war against the Ottomans, unless an arrangement is made by the Catholic Majesty of Spain.

[IrishArmenian]

The Kaiser is an independant souvereign, and so is the King of France.

Spain invaded Genoa, not Venice. Venice attacked Spain.

Every souvereign has the right to settle differences by war, let's say as an ordeal. I do not mind that. However, a nobleman informs the opponent, before he attacks. Well, not all are nobleman.

What is new is the idea to attack another country while it is fighting unbelievers. You should have waited until that war is over.
A noble man is different than your noblemen. A noble man is one who is just, compassionate, pious, loyal and generous. A noblemen is anyone with a title to large amounts of land, and in some cases is the opposite of a noble man.
And, King of Spain, you cannot motivate pirates and thieves with religion.

[Lord Winter]

The Kaiser.

It is with a heavy heart that I put this to paper my fellow rulers. Germany is already so raveged as to make me weep nigh on end. But, unless some peaceful arrangment can be made I must declare my support for Spain whom did come to us in our time of need.

If the germens must declare war I will fell that I must support my allies and then also bring my men to war.

Announcement from the Kingdom of Sweden

Any ships caught infringing on the rights of the swedish merchent will be hunted down without mercy regardless of nationality. Any pirates disrupting trade in the Baltic will be treated as such even if they enjoy the protection of a royal king.

King Gustav II

[Warluster]

All of this talk, king of Spain, about your enemies forsakign the honour, I pose a question: WHat honour does this world still have? THe answer is none, there is no mercy, there is much death, there is no forgiveness, but much cursing.

So in these years of comign war, I pledge my support to the Protestant Allaince, and forever curse Spain and its allies.

[Kagemusha]

The Kaiser.

It is with a heavy heart that I put this to paper my fellow rulers. Germany is already so raveged as to make me weep nigh on end. But, unless some peaceful arrangment can be made I must declare my support for Spain whom did come to us in our time of need.


The Kaiser will come to talk with the Sultan perhaps next turn, when Germany is peaceful again.

To Kaiser

"May we ask,in what are you declaring your support on Spain? Are you declaring war to Protestant coalition,while you just claimed neutrality? Or is this comment about the situation between Spain and The Sultan?"

Embassador of Netherlands

[Incongruous]

The Kaiser.

It is unfortunatley so, unless you are all ready to come to the table and settle you're greivences.

We declare our support for Spain, whom is inundated with enemies. However if all but England remove themselves form the war, we to shall do the same and declare apeace treaty.

[Kagemusha]

To Kaiser

"This is very unfortunate indeed. We wished you no harm, but now you leave us with little choice,since we dont abandon our allies. We have to declare war to you,since you have done it to us. So prepare to meet us on the field of battle."

Stadtholder of Netherlands

[SwordsMaster]

Does the Duke of Brandemburg forget the terms of the peace treaty he just signed?

He cannot attack the HRE without violating the peace treaty. In case he does violate the treaty, Poland will have to live up to her part of the treaty and make war on Brandemburg also.

Does the Kurfurst wish more destruction in his land? Has Berlin not burned enough?


HMCIM also wishes to know Poland's stance on the issue.

HMCIM welcomes the aid of His brother the Kaiser of the HRE and thanks Him for coming to Spain's aid in this difficult moment.



OOC:

All of this talk, king of Spain, about your enemies forsakign the honour, I pose a question: WHat honour does this world still have? THe answer is none, there is no mercy, there is much death, there is no forgiveness, but much cursing.

So in these years of comign war, I pledge my support to the Protestant Allaince, and forever curse Spain and its allies.

I'm not sure if I follow your train of thought... So because there is much death and no honour, you declare war on Spain?

[Kagemusha]

I dont understand how his Imperial majesty accuses Brandenburg,when it was Kaiser who declared war? As Brandenburg is part of Protestant Coalition and Protestant Union. By Kaiser declaring war,means that all of protestant coalition and also the German lords of Protestant Union will now declare war to Kaiser. By declaring war Kaiser has broken the peace treaty and Poland has no oblications to help him.

[SwordsMaster]

Brandemburg was not involved in the hostilities, and therefore could have claimed neutrality, as there is no war without violence.

Since the Kaiser has declared his intention (poke in the direction of the Protestant alliance :laugh4:) to enter the war on the Spanish side, then Brandemburg by its peace treaty could not make war on the Kaiser.

[Kagemusha]

But your Imperial majesty forgets the mutual protection clause of the Protestant coalition. So as i sayed by declaring war to other members of the coalition Kaiser also broke the peace treaty. In matter of fact he already broke the treaty after declaring war to any of us.So Brandenburg is free to act and Poland is not oblicated to do anything if they dont wish to act.

[SwordsMaster]

But your Imperial majesty forgets the mutual protection clause of the Protestant coalition. So as i sayed by declaring war to other members of the coalition Kaiser also broke the peace treaty. In matter of fact he already broke the treaty after declaring war to any of us.So Brandenburg is free to act and Poland is not oblicated to do anything if they dont wish to act.

Apparently the aid of Spain is more valuable than the threat of the Protestant Lords. I did not know about that mutual protection clause, but it is irrelevant now. We hope that this war is as bloodless and as short as possible.

[Kagemusha]

Your Imperial Majesty. I hope so too.

[Rodion Romanovich]

The Kaiser.

It is unfortunatley so, unless you are all ready to come to the table and settle you're greivences.

We declare our support for Spain, whom is inundated with enemies. However if all but England remove themselves form the war, we to shall do the same and declare apeace treaty.


From Danish representatives:

It has come to our attention that the Kaiser of Germany has carelessly thrown around words of war against Denmark in official statements. We would like to ask for either an apology, or for a confirmation in the case that he has truly declared war upon our nation.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

The Kaiser of Germany shall not stepo down to explain himself to you.
However we shall.
He has so far merley said he supported Spain. There was no declaration of war. Yet now the Netherlands attacks us? Well, we feel we must respond. If The Netherlands attacks us and Brandenburg does the same, you shall be required to attack Brandenburg and Poland required to attack the Netherlands.

[Kagemusha]

Kaiser dont try to fool us. Our embassador asked specifically are you declaring war to us. Here was you answer:


The Kaiser.

It is unfortunatley so, unless you are all ready to come to the table and settle you're greivences.

We declare our support for Spain, whom is inundated with enemies. However if all but England remove themselves form the war, we to shall do the same and declare apeace treaty.

What did you mean with this sentence if you didnt declare war? "However if all but England remove themselves form the war, we to shall do the same and declare apeace treaty."

How can you declare a peace treaty,if you havent declared a war?And how do you remove yourself from a war,if you are not in one?

Emissary of Netherlands

[IrishArmenian]

The Tsar shall share his opinion on the matter, and believes:
1) Spain should not have fired upon the Protestant Fleet. Even if they were preparing for war, it is easier to gain support when acting defensively, not offensively.
2) The Kaiser has declared war on both the Netherlands and Brandenburg, even if he did so unintentionally. He should be allowed to retract his statement if he sees the situation differently with this new information.
3) Cyprus should not be run by the Knights of Malta. Cypriots are either Muslim or Orthodox and Catholic rulers would not understand the people. If this is not to Spain's liking, Cyprus may be presided over by the Knights of Malta as long as there is a millet-like system in which seperate religions may have their own leaders.
4) King Sigismund and the Sultan should sign a peace treaty. There is no reason amongst you two to fight. You are both wise leaders and know the advantages of peace. War has ravaged this whole continent, it is time for some peace.
5) Spain, France and England should have no qualms with each other regarding their respective converting of the American pagans. At least they are seeing the light of Christianity.
----------------------------------Vasili IV

[Incongruous]

Th German Government

We did not declare war, we only stated our support for Spain, we will withdraw this position if the Netherlands withdraws form the war, then we shall sign a new peace treaty with them. The current one is obviusly too exclusive.

[Kagemusha]

To the German government

So would the Kaiser agree that this situation was only an diplomatic misunderstanding and would dismiss all the comments from each from the sides and move back to the situation,before Netherlands,Brandenburg,Sweden or the Imperial German Government had declared war to each other?

Embassador of Netherlands

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We recognise that you declared war on us in a moment of misunderstading. It is up to you to withdraw that statement and let us draw up more inclusive treaty.

However we shall still support Spain and allow her troops to move through Germany unhindered and supplied. But we shall not give them millitary aid.

[Kagemusha]

Republic of Netherlands

We have to consider that. Since if the Spanish force will attack us from the area of Holy Roman Empire and uses its area to supply its armies. Basicly it doesnt have anything to differ from Kaiser actually declaring war to us.

Embassador of Netherlands

[SwordsMaster]

His Most Catholic Imperial Majesty Philippe I of all the Spains, His Imperial Majesty Kaiser Ferdinand von Habsburg, His Majesty King Sigismund of Poland on one side, and His Majesty the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire on the other have agreed that:

There shall be peace amongst our realms on the following terms:

Vienna will be returned to the HRE, Cyprus will form its own government whose independence will be guaranteed both by Spain and the Ottoman Empire. Cyprus will allow access and supply to both Ottoman and Spanish vessels.

All treaties that were active before the war, will be restored to force.

All boundaries will return to their pre-war demarcation.

All prisoners are to be returned and allowed to march free.

The armies now on enemy territory will leave with all haste.

And thus be peace amongst our nations.

____________________________________________________________

HMCIM also wishes to announce that the Christian army in the south will help the Army of the Catholic League to deal with the barons that have challenged their Emperor.

[Kagemusha]

Republic of Netherlands

We congratulate Ottoman Empire and the Catholic powers, for reaching an peace agreement.

Embassador of Netherlands

[Incongruous]

The Kaiser.

Very well then, we are now at war with the Netherlands. And all those whom may thusly declare war for them. You are fools gentlemen. There is no hope for you, even now a massive army marches from the south. You are going to lose this time. This time Germany shall be the one that does the humiliating.

Of course if you now come on bended knee to us, we shall reconsider.

[Kagemusha]

To Kaiser

So today we are war again?Yesterday we werent according to you.Day before that we were according to you.What about tomorrow?

The embassador off Netherlands

[Incongruous]

The Kaiser.

No, we have been at war since you declared it upon us, do not blame me. The humiliation of having war declared upon oneself and not responding was just too much for Germany to take.

[Kagemusha]

No you declared it. And with your reacent comments you have just proven that.You lied to us to buy time to make clear you made peace with Ottomans. We dont negotiate with liars.This time dont expect as much mercy from us then we shoved to your predecessor before. With that decision you declared yourself to doom.What mistake we have made,was to support you as Holy Roman Emperor,when others didnt want you.Prepare for that mistake to be corrected. At this moment we want to make clear to everyone,that you have declared war and we consider you the Holy Roman Emperor no more.

[IrishArmenian]

This is a misunderstanding!
Maybe I see things humbly because I am forced to live like a rogue, but you are both misunderstanding each other.
HGE (Is that right?) had declared war on Netherlands, though it was more of an uneasy peace, as no blood was shed and no one was taking action. But, after opinions were voiced, you choose to carry out the declaration!
Both of you should make ammends. HGE could have access to many exotic resources if they made peace with the Netherlands and the Netherlands could become very wealthy with such an affluent client.
Sure, Spain probably trades with the HGE, but they do not share borders, so trade is hindered significantly.
Remember, we are civilised people (despite most of your thinking I am a savage).

[Lord Winter]

Adress to the Swesish Ricsdag and the nobillity:

My brothers, it saddens me to announce that the germen empire has tragicaly declared war on our allies the Dutch. Such an action can and will not be tollerated by the god fearing men of sweden. Thus sweden will support her protestant brothers in this war. Many others have said that war has not yet taken europe. But my country men tragicly they are wrong. The Kaiser's act of allowing spainish men through his country consitutes as a act of war. Even so the rivalitys of all counties involed are on a track of collosion even if this war was not to break out now it would only be a matter of time. Thus I ask you good men of Sweden, will we wait for these arguments of who declared war on who, while the Imperial armies amass on the borders of our allies? No. We shall not and can not even give a thought to it. We fight today so war dose not spill onto our lands. We fight today for religon god and country. I ask each and every citizen to support this action with all their strength. God expects every man to do his duty in battle and will let no man die untill his day has come.

God Bless Sweden,

King Gustav Adolf II

[Incongruous]

No you declared it. And with your reacent comments you have just proven that.You lied to us to buy time to make clear you made peace with Ottomans. We dont negotiate with liars.This time dont expect as much mercy from us then we shoved to your predecessor before. With that decision you declared yourself to doom.What mistake we have made,was to support you as Holy Roman Emperor,when others didnt want you.Prepare for that mistake to be corrected. At this moment we want to make clear to everyone,that you have declared war and we consider you the Holy Roman Emperor no more.


The German Government.

Our Kaiser is no Holy Roman Emperor, but a German Emepror to the people of Germany. He does not need you're approval, only the peoples, and the people do love him as good subjects to a good ruler. You are foolish to think that anyone in Europe could stand against the combined power of Spain and Germany amassed in the south. We pray you come round to you're senses.

[Kagemusha]

Netherlands

We pray that the war will be short and less blood as possible is splilled.But i think you are wery wrong with thinking of the outcome. When the last Kaiser died.The last Kaiser of Holy Roman Empire died.Your North and middle German Lords dont support you.And it was also our mistake to support you.You are not Kaiser,just an Spanish vassal.

Embassador of Netherlands

[Franconicus]

If you want to talk, talk! If you want to fight, fight!

[Incongruous]

Netherlands

We pray that the war will be short and less blood as possible is splilled.But i think you are wery wrong with thinking of the outcome. When the last Kaiser died.The last Kaiser of Holy Roman Empire died.Your North and middle German Lords dont support you.And it was also our mistake to support you.You are not Kaiser,just an Spanish vassal.

Embassador of Netherlands
The German Government.

What is all this talk of the Holy Roman Empire?
We know only the German Empire.

We do not need the power of the Protestants not willing to save Germany, they are not true Germans. They only seek to further the aims of foriegners.
How can we be wrong about the outcome? You know our army in the south is too great for you to oppose. Come to you're senses and the bargaining table.

[Kagemusha]

To France

We think that we had sayed to Kaiser now everythin we have to say to him. These issues will be settled on the field of battle.

[Franconicus]

:france:

The French government is very concerned about the latest developments, especially the escalation of war against merchant ships. To contain the damage, the French government has decided:

1) France will keep on trading with every nation, that is willing to trade with us. We warn every nation to attack a ship that is running under our flag!
2) France will protect each trade ship within French sea grounds.
3) The French navy has the order to assist and to protect every neutral merchant ship between Sicily and Gibraltar.

[Kagemusha]

To France

May we ask why your ships are specially protecting merchants moving between Sicily and Gibraltar? We are not aware of a major trade route there.

[Franconicus]

Because I am able to. I would like to spread my cover over the whole med (which is a very important area of trade for me) but my navy is not able to protect ships in the eastern part. So what good would it be to offer shelter, if I do not have the means to give it?

[Warluster]

From the Kingdom of Brandenburg

To The German Empire,

I ask of you, the last time a war similar to this one ripped through Europe, I ask who win? I can say it was not the German EMpire, and this time there is no diffrence.

If you have declared war on the Netherlands, then Brandenburg shall march with them.

I warn any other nation not to help the SPanish EMpire or German Empire,
Brandenburg alos encourages other Kings of nations to help us, as we can rid this world of a menace!

[Franconicus]

I warn any other nation not to help the SPanish EMpire or German Empire

Watch your words, my youg friend!

[Incongruous]

The German Empire

You are too eagre Brandenbour, you will lose you're sovreignty, last time we were outnumbered, you had the French, without them you would have been executed and you know it. But now, you have no France, and we have Spain.

[Warluster]

Too eager? Why thankyou.

Why, you can say the support of Spain is behind you, thye have their words, and armies. But it is absurd really,

How is SPain supposed to attack us in there normal state? They will be fighting away from home, in a foreign land, and I am ure that they will not be received by your lower class well.

[Rodion Romanovich]

From Denmark:

Denmark is worried about the previous escalations of conflict. We will not declare war on the HRE despite their provocations and careless throwing around of declarations of war against us. We are glad that they came to their senses and withdrew their declaration of war.

We would also like to see an end to this farce between the Kaiser and the Netherlands. There is no war, until a formal declaration of war has been made. If the Kaiser supports Spanish troops marching through his lands, this will not make Denmark declare war upon the Kaiser, even though that is normally a valid casus belli. We have chosen that course of action simply because a Spanish army marching through the HRE would only benefit us, since the Spanish army would lose its supplies to raids from the HRE Protestant territories who do not tolerate the Kaiser's ruthless centralization and inacceptance to the Protestant faith, but it would also rot in its attempts to break through our fortified lines, which would only be to our benefit. This is a war with the Spanish hegemony at sea, nothing else.

[Incongruous]

The German Government.

We never declared war upon anyone, it was up to you to interpret as you see fit. However, we are now at war with the Dutch. I thought that much was accepted between us.

Brandenbourg. Do not be so foolish, Germany and Spain have a massive army in Austria and additional troops almost free from Italy, and Catholic League forces in the North. Protestant dissent is broken, all have come to terms with the Kaisers rule.
We do not understand the Danish abhorance to our centralization.

OOC: WOOhoo the 1000 post mark!

[SwordsMaster]

The German Government.

We never declared war upon anyone, it was up to you to interpret as you see fit. However, we are now at war with the Dutch. I thought that much was accepted between us.

Brandenbourg. Do not be so foolish, Germany and Spain have a massive army in Austria and additional troops almost free from Italy, and Catholic League forces in the North. Protestant dissent is broken, all have come to terms with the Kaisers rule.
We do not understand the Danish abhorance to our centralization.

OOC: WOOhoo the 1000 post mark!

But perhaps my brother is too eager to express the state of our battle readiness...

Will Poland sit and watch Brandemburg, that unruly vassal, defy the polish allies? Will Poland sit and watch Swedish cuirassers storming through Europe?

[Franconicus]

After consulting his advicers Louis XIII. made His decisions and did send his messagers.

He hopes that the other souvereigns will follow his shining example.

[SwordsMaster]

BTW, where is Marschall Murat? it is already friday and he hasn't been online for a few days...

[Randarkmaan]

He sent me PMs on wednesday, thats only two days ago.

[Rodion Romanovich]

The German Government.

We never declared war upon anyone, it was up to you to interpret as you see fit. However, we are now at war with the Dutch. I thought that much was accepted between us.


From Denmark:

If you are at war with the Dutch, then who declared war? Only your side holds the view that there's war.

OOC: gah what a farce! :smash:

[SwordsMaster]

From Denmark:

If you are at war with the Dutch, then who declared war? Neither side has confirmed that there's war, except your own side.

OOC: gah what a farce! :smash:

Yeah! Even I am getting confused about who is at war with who...:laugh4:

BTW, what is our dearest Pope think about everyone ganging up on Spain and Germany?

[King Kurt]

King James, having grown tired of the Kaiser trying to make his mind up if he is at war or not, has dispatched his moves by finest horse for the castle of Legio the Scribe.

God save the King

As for the Pope - I assume he is sitting waiting to hear what his Spanish puppetmaster wants him to say.

[SwordsMaster]

King James, having grown tired of the Kaiser trying to make his mind up if he is at war or not, has dispatched his moves by finest horse for the castle of Legio the Scribe.

God save the King

As for the Pope - I assume he is sitting waiting to hear what his Spanish puppetmaster wants him to say.

Hey, hey, he is allowed to have his opinion! It is just that Spain might ehm... forget.... to protect Rome if ehm.... bandits.... appeared. :yes:

[Warluster]

To Poland:

Do not declare war on us! Remember the treaties, and the regions I have given you!

[Incongruous]

The Kaiser

I have made it clear that the Netherlands declared war upon us, therefore we are in a state of war with the Ntherlands. It has also been made clear that the Protestant league is also at war with us. Thus our state of affairs is quite plainly put.

[Kagemusha]

To Kaiser

"You can lie all you want. We would not have declared war on you without you doing it first.As we showed by shoving your earlier comments.Maybe Kaiser should write what he means to his open letters and should not force others to try and read his mind,becouse his writings dont make any sense. Anyway Republic of Netherlands have send their answers"

Republic of Netherlands

[IrishArmenian]

Hey, hey, he is allowed to have his opinion! It is just that Spain might ehm... forget.... to protect Rome if ehm.... bandits.... appeared. :yes:
I would happily be that "bandit".

[Rodion Romanovich]

From Denmark:

The Netherlands haven't declared war, and they don't want any war with the Kaiser. If the Kaiser again insists that he wants a war with the Netherlands, that will be seen as an unprovoked declaration of war against an ally of Denmark.